It’s tax season, and scammers are after your money.
As you prepare to file your 2021 tax return, here are five ways to help protect your finances:
- File early. Security experts advise you to file as early as possible to avoid a scammer filing a fraudulent claim in your name. This is especially important if you have previously experienced an identity theft incident.
- Sign up for an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). An IP PIN is a six-digit number that you will need to use in addition to your social security number when filing a tax return. You can learn more about IP PINs on the IRS website.
- Watch your accounts for signs of identity theft. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to review your credit reports for free to spot suspicious activity, and monitor your online accounts, such as banks or retirement accounts, for unusual transactions.
- Learn how to spot a scam. The more you know about scams, the easier it is to avoid them. Use our tips for spotting phishing scams and malicious websites to get started. You can also check our list of known scams if you receive an email you think is suspicious.
- Follow best practices with passwords. Visit go.rowan.edu/password for more information on creating unique passwords for websites and using password vaults.
If you have any questions, please contact the Technology Support Center at 856-256-4400, or submit a ticket in the Rowan Support Portal.