INDIANA, (WOWO) – Identity theft is a problem that increases every year and this year, State Agencies are joining together to try and educate Hoosiers about Identity Theft.
More identities were stolen in tax refund crimes in the first six months of 2013 than in all of 2012 and to kick off Identity Theft Awareness Week, just in time for the 2014 tax season starting January 31st, the Indiana Department of Revenue and the Indiana Attorney General's Office want Hoosiers to be aware of ways to best protect themselves from this crime.
“Tax season is the time of year when taxpayers gather all of their most important personal information into one place, making it the perfect opportunity for fraudsters to easily steal taxpayers’ identities,” said Department of Revenue Commissioner Mike Alley. “Working with the Attorney General, we are educating Hoosier taxpayers on how to effectively protect their identities, their potential refunds and the State of Indiana from potential refund fraud.”
Indiana Department of Revenue will offer resources for taxpayers to help them guard against their personal information being stolen, while the Attorney General’s Office offers Hoosiers an online ID Theft Protection Toolkit.
“Identity theft is a year-round problem, but tax season gives criminals an opportunity to use individuals’ personal information and Social Security numbers to file fake tax returns and claim refunds,” Attorney General Greg Zoeller said. “That’s why it is critical for Hoosiers to be on guard – especially while online – to prevent their information from ending up in the wrong hands.”
For additional information about how to prevent identity theft, visit:
The Indiana Department of Revenue’s identity theft website: www.in.gov/dor/4794.htm
The Attorney General’s ID Theft Protection Toolkit: www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/2853.htm
