Between January and mid-April, Americans across the country will be bracing themselves, preparing and filing for the 2011 tax season. Important documents, forms and financial summaries will be sent out to each individual and then sent back out with tax returns.
This increase in the transfer of sensitive information makes tax season a prime time for identity theft. The forms that come and go through the mail are easy targets for potential predators, who often strike during the daytime hours when many people are at school or work.
Fortunately, there are ways to protect your identity during tax season. Here are a few tips to help you avoid becoming a victim.
- One good way to prepare for confidential mail is to open a P.O. Box. This ensures a secure area where only you can freely access your mail. In addition, the post office does background checks as well as supplying surveillance equipment should you have a question about tampering. - Similar to going on vacation, you can choose to have your mail held at the post office, and then pick it up when it is convenient for you. Your mail will never leave the building, and when you do pick your mail up, the post office will verify your identity. - Another option is to install a secure mailbox. A secure mailbox typically features a lock and key, just like the door on your home. Although it is not as secure as keeping your mail at the post office, some consider it more convenient. - Choosing to receive your financial statements online decreases the paper trail of your private information, and is becoming increasingly popular. You should still use security precautions, such as complex passwords and network locks, in order to ensure privacy. - Actively monitor your mail, and try to keep a calendar of when you expect certain documents to arrive. If you have questions or experience a delay, call the sender in order to verify the status and avoid potential theft.
The first step to safeguarding your identity is a proactive approach to protecting your personal information. The tax season brings with it an increased chance of identity theft, but by taking precautions, you can make sure your information does not fall into the wrong hands.
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