TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is warning Floridians to be aware of the threat of identity theft during tax season.
"Tax identify theft is one of the most common forms of identity theft and can cause people financial issues for years," Bondi wrote on myfloridalegal.com, the website of the attorney general's office. "Identity thieves will use a taxpayer’s Social Security number and personal information to steal their tax refund, open a credit card, take out a loan or find employment, causing problems for victims when filing with the Internal Revenue Service."
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The site lists several recommendations to prevent identity theft and other tax-related scams:
- File tax returns early
- Use a secure internet connection, not public wireless networks, if filing electronically
- Send returns directly from the post office if you are filing by mail
- Shred documents containing personal information
- Get recommendations and research a tax preparer thoroughly before providing personal information
Florida residents who believe that they have been victimized by identity theft are urged to call local law enforcement or file an online complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
Consumers can also file complaints about identity theft and other types of fraud with Bondi's office by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com or calling 866-9-NO-SCAM.