Tax identity theft is a serious crime that affects thousands of taxpayers each year, including residents of Victorville, Apple Valley, Hesperia, and the High Desert. Scammers use stolen Social Security numbers to file fraudulent tax returns and claim refunds. Recognizing the warning signs early can help you protect yourself and minimize the damage.
🚨 Act Immediately If You See These Signs
If you notice any of these warning signs, don't wait. Tax identity theft can cause significant financial and legal problems. Contact the IRS immediately and consider getting professional help from a tax professional in Apple Valley or Victorville.
🛡️ Victim of Tax Identity Theft?
If you're a victim of tax identity theft in the High Desert area, don't panic. Our tax professionals in Apple Valley and Victorville can help you report the theft, resolve issues with the IRS, and protect your identity going forward. Contact us immediately!
Call (760) 249-768010 Warning Signs of Tax Identity Theft
1. You Can't E-File Your Return
If you try to e-file your tax return and receive a message that a return has already been filed with your Social Security number, this is a major red flag. Someone may have already filed a fraudulent return in your name.
What to do: Contact the IRS immediately at 1-800-908-4490 and file Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit.
2. You Receive a Notice About a Return You Didn't File
If you receive an IRS notice about a tax return you didn't file, or about income you didn't earn, someone may have filed a fraudulent return using your information.
What to do: Don't ignore the notice. Contact the IRS to verify and report the potential identity theft.
3. You Receive Unexpected Tax Documents
If you receive W-2s, 1099s, or other tax documents from employers or companies you don't recognize, someone may be using your Social Security number for employment or income reporting.
What to do: Contact the employer or company to verify, and report to the IRS if it's fraudulent.
4. You Receive a Refund You Didn't Request
If you receive a tax refund check or direct deposit you didn't expect, it may be from a fraudulent return filed in your name. Scammers often use stolen identities to claim refunds.
What to do: Don't cash the check. Contact the IRS immediately and return the refund.
5. Your Refund is Delayed or Rejected
If your legitimate tax return is delayed or your refund is rejected, it may be because someone already filed a return using your Social Security number.
What to do: Contact the IRS to check the status and verify if a return was already filed.
6. You Receive Notices About Wages You Didn't Earn
If you receive IRS notices about wages, income, or employment you don't recognize, someone may be using your Social Security number for employment purposes.
What to do: Contact the IRS to report the discrepancy and verify your employment records.
7. Your Social Security Statement Shows Income You Didn't Earn
If your Social Security statement shows wages or income you didn't earn, someone may be using your Social Security number for employment.
What to do: Review your Social Security statement annually and report any discrepancies immediately.
8. You Receive Collection Notices for Taxes You Don't Owe
If you receive collection notices for tax years you didn't file, or for amounts you don't owe, someone may have filed a fraudulent return and created tax debt in your name.
What to do: Contact the IRS immediately to verify the debt and report potential identity theft.
9. Your Credit Report Shows Unauthorized Accounts
If your credit report shows accounts, loans, or credit cards you didn't open, it may indicate identity theft that could also affect your taxes.
What to do: Place a fraud alert on your credit reports and monitor for tax-related identity theft.
10. You're Contacted by the IRS About Multiple Returns
If the IRS contacts you about multiple tax returns filed under your Social Security number, or about returns filed from addresses you don't recognize, this is a strong indicator of identity theft.
What to do: Contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit immediately at 1-800-908-4490.
How Tax Identity Theft Happens
Common Methods
- Data Breaches: Hackers steal personal information from companies
- Phishing: Scammers trick you into providing personal information
- Mail Theft: Thieves steal mail containing tax documents
- Social Engineering: Scammers manipulate you into revealing information
- Insider Theft: Employees or others with access steal information
How to Protect Yourself
1. File Early
- File your return as soon as you have all documents
- Prevents scammers from filing first
- Claims your refund before thieves can
2. Protect Your Personal Information
- Don't share your SSN unnecessarily
- Use strong passwords
- Shred documents containing personal information
- Be cautious with online information
3. Monitor Your Accounts
- Check your credit reports regularly
- Monitor your Social Security statement
- Review tax documents carefully
- Watch for unauthorized activity
4. Use an Identity Protection PIN
- Get an IP PIN from the IRS
- Required to file your return
- Prevents others from filing in your name
- Available to all taxpayers
💡 High Desert Taxpayer Protection
If you're in Victorville, Apple Valley, or Hesperia and want to protect yourself from tax identity theft, consider getting an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS. This six-digit number prevents others from filing returns using your Social Security number.
What to Do If You're a Victim
Step 1: Contact the IRS Immediately
- Call the Identity Protection Specialized Unit: 1-800-908-4490
- File Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit
- Follow IRS instructions
Step 2: Place Fraud Alerts
- Place fraud alert on credit reports
- Freeze credit if necessary
- Monitor accounts regularly
Step 3: File a Police Report
- File a report with local police
- Get a copy for your records
- Provide to IRS and credit bureaus
Step 4: Get Professional Help
- Contact a tax professional
- Get help resolving issues
- Protect your rights
Special Considerations for High Desert Residents
Mail Security
In the High Desert area:
- Use secure mailboxes
- Consider P.O. boxes for sensitive mail
- Pick up mail promptly
- Shred documents before disposal
Online Security
Protect yourself online:
- Use secure Wi-Fi networks
- Don't file taxes on public Wi-Fi
- Use strong passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication
Local Resources for High Desert Residents
- IRS Identity Theft: 1-800-908-4490
- FTC Identity Theft: IdentityTheft.gov
- Credit Bureaus: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion
- Local Tax Professionals: In Apple Valley, Victorville, and Hesperia
🛡️ Get Help with Tax Identity Theft
If you're in Victorville, Apple Valley, Hesperia, or anywhere in the High Desert and believe you're a victim of tax identity theft, don't wait. Our tax professionals can help you report the theft, resolve issues with the IRS, and protect your identity. Call us today or request a free consultation!
Call (760) 249-7680Conclusion
Tax identity theft is a serious threat to High Desert residents in Victorville, Apple Valley, and Hesperia. Recognizing the warning signs early, taking steps to protect yourself, and knowing what to do if you're a victim can help minimize the damage and resolve issues quickly.
If you notice any warning signs of tax identity theft, don't wait. Contact the IRS immediately, place fraud alerts, and consider getting professional help. Our tax professionals in Apple Valley and Victorville can help you report the theft, resolve issues with the IRS, and protect your identity going forward.
