Equifax breach leads to tax fraud worries

Everyone says freezing your credit after the Equifax breach is the best way to protect yourself, but there's one thing it won't protect you from.

“Ninety seven percent of our calls right now are related to the Equifax breach,” said Lori Silverman, who runs Team Clark.

Here in Georgia we have a privilege nearly unique in the country to protect your return.

Silverman says one of the best ways to protect yourself this tax season is by applying for an IP PIN from the IRS.

“No one, unless they have that PIN number, can file in your name,” she explained.

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Another way to avoid hardship is to reduce your withholding at work, because if a criminal has messed around with your tax return you'll have to wait 10 to 14 months typically to get your refund.

“If you have an accountant speak with your accountant, look at what your previous income was the previous year and what you did and adjust it that way,” she said.

When it comes time to file, choosing a trustworthy tax preparer is key.

“For individuals who have simple tax returns they can go to AARP. It's regardless of age,” she explained.

Silverman says it's important to take data breaches like this seriously.

“This is not a joke and to be honest the few minutes that you take the time to freeze your credit will then prevent you from something that's far worse which is identity theft,” she said.

Cox Media Group