National Tax Security Awareness Week

This week is the 7th annual National Tax Security Awareness Week which is a joint effort by the IRS, state tax agencies, and the tax industry to urge increased security measures as fraudsters exploit COVID-19 concerns. The IRS is warning people to be on the lookout for scammers using fake charities during the holiday season when folks are expressing their generosity as well as year round. Some tips to avoid fake charity scams include, don't give in to pressure. Scammers often use the technique of urgent need to pressure people into making a contribution. Be wary about how a donation is requested. Don't work with charities that ask for donations by giving numbers from a gift card or wiring money. Don't give more than needed. Personal information can be just as valuable to scammers as money. Never give out your social security number, credit card numbers, or PIN numbers. Visit irs.gov/securitysummit for more tips on protecting yourself from identity theft.