When you see the phrase "identity theft," it’s likely that the first thing you think of is compromised credit and debit cards or a hacked bank account. Often, the identity theft we hear about involves the electronic movement of money, so we have learned to be more careful, protecting how we share information and making sure our personal details are encrypted and secured. However, one crime not often considered is another popular type of identity theft involving your tax returns, though it’s more common than you might think. Let’s look at what is involved and some of the best ways to protect yourself against tax identity theft.

Flimflam, scam, con, shakedown, racket . . . to borrow Shakespeare's phrase, "A fraud by any other name would be as deceitful." Scams have been perpetrated on individuals and companies for at least 2,500 years, and the tools used to carry out the crimes are ever-changing. An expansive list of possible scam scenarios will not likely cover all possibilities. Learning to beware of the signs of potential fraud and how to respond is a more effective method to protect yourself from becoming the victim of an online scam. Here a few hints on how to prevent online scams - and what to do if you’ve been targeted.

Now and then I hear from a client who suspects that an IRS imposter is targeting them with a fraudulent phone call or email. According to the IRS, these calls are becoming more frequent and are increasingly aided by robocall technology. My first response is always the same: Don’t respond.