Identity theft happens too often. It is when someone has stolen your personal information. It would be best if you were careful because they can use it to do something that you don’t want them to do, like buy things on the internet or steal money from you. The IRS and state agencies are working together to ensure that hackers cannot get your personal information.
Phishing scams are when criminals get your information and access your online accounts. Sometimes they pretend to be a site, you know, like Facebook or bank sites. They will then ask you for your password and email. It is important to ensure that the Wi-Fi is secure and not open links in emails or texts from people who might not be who they say they are.
To be safe, make sure that the software updates every day. Do it on all your devices. If you have a phone, use strong passwords and do not share your personal information with anyone.
In this interview, the IRS media spokesperson talks about protecting yourself from scams. It’s at the top of this article.
The IRS is telling people to protect their personal information. Here are 10 steps they recommend taking.
- Don’t forget to use security software for your computers, tablets, and mobile phones. Protect electronic devices of family members, especially teens and young children.
- To keep your computer safe, you should have anti-virus software that can stop malware and a firewall so that people cannot break into your computer.
- Imposter emails are the best way for thieves to steal data. Don’t open links or attachments on suspicious emails. This year, people should be careful of fraud scams related to COVID-19, Economic Impact Payments, and other tax law changes.
- When we use the internet, we need to ensure that we have a strong and unique password. We can use phrases or series of words that are easy to remember, or you can use a password manager.
- When you use the internet, it is important to protect your account. Thieves can try to hack into your account and steal your information. A way to stop them is by using two-factor authentication (multi-factor authentication). It helps prevent thieves from easily hacking accounts by asking for a code from a phone app or text message and a password.
- You should buy things on websites that begin with “https.” This website is safer than other websites because you talk to the person on the other end of the computer network securely. Look for an icon of a padlock when you buy something online.
- Don’t shop on unsecured Wi-Fi in places like a mall. Thieves can eavesdrop.
- At home, make sure that your Wi-Fi has a password. With more homes connected to the web, it is important to make your system secure. For example, if you have a wireless printer or door lock, those can be open for identity thieves.
- If you use a computer or phone, you need to back up your files. You can copy them onto your cloud service or an external hard drive. That way, if something happens to the computer and the files go away, you still have them in a place where they won’t be lost.
- Are you working from home? Consider creating a VPN to connect securely to your office.
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