Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week: January 13-17

The Internal Revenue Service uses your Social Security number to make sure your filing is accurate and complete and to see that any refund you are due is handled properly. If your Social Security number is lost or stolen, an ID thief may use it to report their earnings under your number and/or to claim a refund you should be receiving. Should this occur, you’ll receive a letter from the IRS stating that not all of your wages were reported or that more than one return was filed for your Social Security number.

Be aware that the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by e-mail to request personal or financial information— this includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels.

If you believe someone may be using your Social Security number or you receive a letter indicating a problem, contact the IRS immediately at 1-800-829-1040 and file Form 14039: Identity Theft Affidavit;
File a report with your local police department & save the report.

Be vigilant about guarding your Social Security number:

• If your SS# is on an older Colorado driver’s license, go to DMV and get a new driver’s license;
• If your Military ID card has not been replaced with a new number, and still has your SS#, then only carry that card on an ‘as needed’ basis;
• If you have a Medicare card, make a photo copy of the original and then put the original card in a secure place. On the photocopy, blacken the first 5 numbers and carry that copy in your purse or wallet;
• On a job application, in the right hand corner where it asks for your SS#, place the response: “Will provide upon hire.”
• If anyone asks for your SS#, ask them if there a legal requirement requiring the SS#?” Never provide it via an e-mail or phone request

Remember that any business extending credit to you will require your SS# to check your credit history.

Guard your tax returns; don’t leave them in your car or on a copy machine. Don’t carry copies around with you.

For questions or concerns, call the DA Fraud Hotline: 303-271-6980.