A new year is just around the corner, and with it time to file taxes. Unfortunately, scammers are already hard at work trying to glean your personal information for nefarious purposes.
That’s why Regions Bank is amplifying the Internal Revenue Service and Security Summit’s 6th Annual National Tax Security Awareness Week. The campaign focuses on how to avoid identity theft – and how to respond if you become a victim.
The combination of the holiday shopping season, the upcoming tax season and the pandemic creates additional opportunities for criminals to steal sensitive personal or finance information. People should take extra care while shopping online or viewing emails and texts.
“At Regions, we are focused on keeping customers – and their most personal data – safe,” said Kimberly Reece, Regions vice president of Fraud Strategy Customer Experience. “This campaign provides great advice on how you can protect yourself this tax season.”
The focus isn’t merely on personal identity theft. Also included are signs and action to take for data breaches and employment-related identity theft.
With its Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft, the IRS also provides tips on how to be proactive in protecting your data with tips on:
- Keeping your computer and cell phone safe
- Identifying phishing email scams
- Creating good, strong passwords
- Using multi-factor authentication
- And the creation of an IRS Identity Protection Pin, a six-digit password to use in addition to your Social Security number for added protection
For more, detailed information, go to the Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft on the IRS website.
Great resources from the IRS/Security Summit:
IRS Tax Tip: Common tax scams and tips to help taxpayers avoid them.
Easy Steps to Protect Your Computer and Phone
Here’s How to Avoid IRS Text Message Scams.
Publication 4524, Security Awareness for Taxpayers (.pdf)
Smartphone Security Checker
The information presented is general in nature and should not be considered, legal, accounting or tax advice. Regions reminds its customers that they should be vigilant about fraud and security and that they are responsible for taking action to protect their computer systems. Fraud prevention requires a continuous review of your policies and practices, as the threat evolves daily. There is no guarantee that all fraudulent transactions will be prevented or that related financial losses will not occur. Visit regions.com/STOPFRAUD or speak with your Banker for further information on how you can help prevent fraud