Protect Yourself from Theft During Tax Season

With tax season upon us, we want to remind everyone to be extra cautious in protecting sensitive documents that may be arriving via the USPS.

For those anticipating a refund, we strongly recommend setting up electronic deposits so that any payments you receive will be transferred directly into your bank accounts instead of having a check mailed to you.

To avoid becoming a victim of fraud or a scam, do not release private, confidential information (social security number, banking information, credit card, or Driver's License numbers) to anyone who makes unsolicited contact with you.

Do not respond to emails from people/businesses you don't know. If someone calls you acting as a police officer, IRS agent, or other 'official' person, ask for their name, title/position, badge number (if applicable), and the full name of the agency or company they are calling from. Tell them you will call them back, and then you can contact the actual agency by using a legitimate phone number for them to verify the identity of the individual who called you.

Remember, the Police Department will never call you asking for money or to have you buy gift cards. Contact the Police Department immediately if you think you have been the victim of a crime, fraud, or scam.

Click here to view a recent public service announcement from Civilian Investigator Kari Flood with some helpful tips on staying vigilant and avoiding becoming a victim of scams and fraud this tax season.