The IRS never initiates correspondence via email. Do not click on any links, open or respond to any email that claims to be from the IRS,

  • Install and maintain a powerful anti-virus and firewall software system,

  • Freeze your credit with all 3 national credit bureaus to stop new loans from being opened in your name:

  • Freeze your credit with the utility and cell phone data exchange (often overlooked and not included with normal credit freezes) at 866-349-5355

  • Review your credit report annually and block it from new credit requests if acceptable. It is available annually for free at www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action or 877-322-8228

  • Do not give anyone your social security number under almost any circumstances,

  • Destroy (shred) any old checks reflecting your social security number,

  • Buy and use a quality home shredder to shred all personally identifiable documents at all times,

  • Establish an annual policy as follows: photocopy all credit cards front and back and place dated copies in a safe or lockbox, establish all website logins and save in a secure manner; change all passwords every year over the holidays and record in a secure manner,

  • Secure all electronic files and paper files from intruders, children and outsiders,

  • Carefully guard against filling out any online forms and do not open accounts with anyone requiring social security numbers online,

  • File returns as soon as possible for decedents, young and elderly taxpayers.

  • Obtain a Social Security PIN by visiting your local Social Security office with 2 forms of ID and a utility bill showing your name or address to keep thieves from filing a fraudulent Social Security account in your name.

  • Obtain an IRS PIN to thwart identity theft scammers. The PIN, which changes annually, is required to e-file a Federal tax return.