Giveaways and Reviews

Expert Tips to Prevent Identity Theft During Tax Season

April 5, 2013
151 Comments

Fellowes ShredderDid you know that the tax season not only brings with it a rise in blood pressure and stress but also a rise in identity theft?

It’s true – the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), says that IRS-related identity theft has increased by almost 77 percent during the past two tax seasons and the FTC reported a 3% increase of ID theft complaints in the past year (43% of which were tax or wage related fraud.)

Identity theft and fraud are a huge problem. In February I shared a post on how my own parents were the target of a phone-fraud scheme. While seniors seem to be a big target for fraudsters and scams, anyone can fall victim to identity theft.

“A lot of information changes hands during tax season, which is why we believe we see so many IRS-related identity theft cases this time of year,” said Eva Valasquez, President and CEO of the ITRC. “And although more and more people are now e-filing, we still need to be cautious of how we are protecting information offline.”

The Identity Theft Resource Center recommends taking steps to safeguard your entire tax filing process to ensure you’re protected from the crime. From installing a firewall on your computer, to storing important files in a fireproof lockbox and shredding no-longer-needed documents, it’s important to stop identity thieves in their tracks along the way.

“Shredding is one of the most effective ways to destroy personal information,” said Nancy Heaton, Director of Global Marketing, Business Machines, Fellowes, Inc. Fellowes is a corporate sponsor or ITRC and works closely with the organization to provide education about identity theft crimes. “A Cross-Cut shredder, like Fellowes’ 73Ci ensures your tax-related documents can’t be pieced back together.”

Below are the Identity Theft Resource Center’s identity theft prevention tips for tax season:

– Install a firewall on your computer and change passwords frequently using a combination of letters, numbers and symbols
– Select tax preparation software carefully if you intend to do your own tax return
– File at the earliest time possible allowed by the IRS/CRA
– Send completed tax returns via a U.S. Postal Office. Mailing from home exposes your tax returns to potential risk
– Do not send sensitive documents/information over unprotected e-mail
– Never file your electronic tax return using an unsecured public WiFi connection. A secure site will have its address begin with https:// rather than http://
– Throughout the year, store sensitive tax season documents in a fireproof, locked cabinet
– Shred no-longer-needed tax documents with a Cross-Cut shredder

Using a shredder is important in any household and especially in households like mine where you also have an office and home-based business.  When in doubt whether you should chuck it or shred it – shred it!!!  Even if you think it’s pointless just because it only has a little personal info on it (just your address, or just your purchase order, for example) it’s far easier to shred it than deal with the aftermath of identity theft.

I have been using my new Fellowes 63Cb Powershred Shredder in my home-office and have been happy with it thus far.

Features include:
o Fellowes’ Jam BlockerTM technology blocks jams before they start
o SafeSense® technology automatically stops shredding when hands touch the paper opening
o Energy Savings System maximizes shredder energy savings 100% of the time – both in use and out of use
o Heavy-duty Cross-Cut blades destroy a single sheet of paper into 302 particles, making it nearly impossible to piece back together

302 particles! I love it!  I keep the shredder in my office, which is generally off-limits to the kids, but as we know kids seem to find a way into places they are not supposed to be!  Because of this, the SafeSense technology is really important to me.

In the US you can find the Fellowes 63Cb Powershred Shredder at www.Amazon.com, www.OfficeDepot.com and www.OfficeMax.com for a suggested retail price of $149.99.  In Canada, you can find it at Costco (out of stock) and Future Shop for $129.98 currently.

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One of my readers is going to win a Fellowes 63Cb Powershred Shredder to help keep their identity and personal info safe!  To enter to win, just use the Rafflecopter form below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

151 Comments

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  • I already practice , most of the tips above so I don’t think I will do anything different. I try to be very careful when it comes to my identity.

  • We usually file as soon as the T4’s come in but we’re behind this year. We hope to get it done soon.

  • I do most of the above but did recently learn another tip….don’t send cheques in window envelopes….they are being stolen from mail boxes and cashed by people other then the intended receiver

  • The only thing I don’t do on the list is a fire-safe container with tax documents. I should probably do that. lol.

  • I do not have a fire safe container to keep my tax documents, I think I will need to invest in one.

  • I try my best to keep things safe, only thing is i love to have a shredder because it takes forever to destroy files by hand.

  • I have a wood stove but this would be great for accumulating sensitive information during the warm months.

  • I know I don’t change my passwords often enough. There are just so many too remember, so it is hard to think of new ones that I’ll remember.

  • We will have to Select tax preparation software carefully if you intend to do your own tax return

  • I am really careful about security and used to shred everything until our shredder quit working. Now I have a few bags ready to shred next time they have a community shredding event.

  • I have fire safe container, but I don’t think to put my tax documents in it! So I will definitley do that!

  • I am pretty vigalent about destroying personal info. My favorite way to dispose of something it contains alot of personal info, after ripping/ shredding or cutting up (cc), is to put it inside a soiled diaper and then in the trash. Sadly those days are drawing to a close but a good idea for anyone else with a little one in disposables.
    **we used cloth for our second**

  • I’m not going to send send sensitive documents/information over unprotected e-mail anymore.

  • Yes I’ve been saving my old tax return information but after reading this post I’m going to destroy them.

  • we do need to procure a fireproof safe for our important documents, but are very careful about how we dispose of and handle sensitive info. you never know!

  • I never would have thought to store my tax form in a fireproof locked cabinet but I can see the advantage. I will have to invest in new storage cabinet.

  • I’m pretty good for following most of those tips, but I need to stop throwing out credit card applications out and start shredding them.

  • I try to do most of the tips mentioned above.One other thing I started doing is shredding all those junk mails I get requesting me to get a credit card. I started to do this after watching a dumpster diver in Edmonton go through the dumpster and only taking paper. When he finished he got into a car waiting nearby – a fancy Cadillac. That’s when I figured out it must be for identity theft.

  • I need to get a lockable container to store my sensitive documents in. I’m pretty good about everything else.

  • just bought a shredder mine died and Ive been burning them but now its warmer no fires going so back to shredding.

  • I always ‘redact’ personal information in credit card applications and the like (by physically cutting the information out!) before recycling the usable paper. Shredding the applications would help ensure that I hadn’t missed anything! Other than that I already observe the other safeguards discussed above, but reminders and updates are welcome.

  • I do most of these already, but I like the previous comment about shredding the credit card applications.

  • We already do almost everything listed, but somehow I don’t feel safe regardless. Maybe I’ll need to find the way to do more…

  • We don’t own a shredder, but we’ve definitely been thinking about it. I think it would be a great idea to own one to shred old receipts, mail, etc.

    We usually just tear everything up and then send it in the recycling bin, so we could definitely do more.

  • I am definitely going to shred more often documents with identifying info on them!

  • I tear up a lot of my important papers now. But I would use the shredder to help with getting rid of paper work that was not needed anymore.

    silverneon2000 at yahoo dot com

  • I might begin to shred my important documents. Currently, I try to rip them up, but I’m not too consistent with that.

  • I’ve been wanting to shred important documents for a while now but usually end up throwing them in the garbage…bad idea i know

  • With the exception of the shredder and the locked cabinet, I already do most of this already. I would like to add either or both over the next while

  • I am already very careful with what I throw away. I don’t have a locked cabinet either but I would like to have one for the really important stuff that I wouldn’t want to lose.

  • I have always been very careful with personal papers I do most of the things on your list but think it is very helpful for others.

  • This definitely made me think twice about just throwing anything out with our personal info. This would be so awesome to win

  • Yes I will file tax/important sensitive documents in a fireproof cabinet and send returns via U.S> Post office.

  • yes I will do as much as I can to protect my identity and shred whatever needs to be shredded!

  • i was really careful until my shredder broke, then i thought that it couldn’t be such a big deal. but i will get a shredder and start again, it is too scary to think that your info can be obtained

  • I actually have a shredder at home but I need to remember to use it more often.

  • I already use most of the tips mentioned except for storing documents in a fire-safe cabinet. I will have to look into getting one.

  • Already doing most of these things. would be nice to have a shredder, rather then ripping up papers.

  • We already do these things but I tear up as I don’t have a shredder, we have been thinking of buying one so I hope I win.

  • yes of course, i do not have a paper shredder now, but if i dont win this one i will go buy one. thanks for the tip

  • i had been reading about a scam that was going on about someone phoning and saying our computers had a virus and they needed to get into them to check for this so called virus. and if we allowed them this info they would be able to take so much from our computer. well one day someone called me and told me i had a virus on my pc. so i played dumb and said i had to call them back right away cause my computer was in another room. i was trying to have a number to contact the police. they gave me a number and said to call back right away. i laughed to my self and said suckers got you now. so i tried calling back before i called the police but when i called the number they gave me it said THERE IS NO SERVICE FOR THE NUMBER YOU HAVE DIALED. wow am i ever glad i did not fall for this scam. if someone calls you dont believe it.

  • Right on. I will even took out the address on my mail before took them out for recycle.

  • I usually tear up papers with personal info but I think a shredder will be better

  • I try to be diligent but haven’t been lately. This is a great reminder /wake-up to renew and update my habits. Having this shredder would really help with this.

  • One thing I know we should do more often is change our passwords. We have had our emails and Facebooks hacked , so we know the sending of tax documents could be as well. Did not even think of going directly to a post office to send out… we always would but we have had Amazing gift cards taken right out of the envelope en route TO our house, ordered for gift giving, so there is a chance anyone could just scope the mail and take tax documents too. Geesh…think about how MUCH info is in that!

  • I always shred documents and anything with address of personal information includiing expired credit cards so no necessarily, but maybe be more careful to make sure it gets done. Good shredder defiinitely helps

  • I shred most of my documents with account info on them, but I didn’t realize the address was such a big deal. Guess I will be shredding more papers!

  • I already do everything mentioned in the post, except shred my documents. This shredder would come in handy!

  • I will use a shredder and then use the shredded paper as compost on my flower beds

  • I will change passowrds more frequently. I am bad for never switching and using the same ones

  • I will definately start shredding all my documents! I was just recently the vicitim of credit card fraud and it hurt me a lot with putting my business’ (all 4 of them) on hold till everything was settled! Scary! Luckily I caught it right away thou.

  • I definitely will file my tax documents in a secure locked cabinet, something I had never thought to do..usually I just put them in a folder and put them in a box.

  • yes i will! I did not realise how important this was and ppl do tend to be more vulnerable during tax season.

  • Yes, I need so cross shred ! My current shredder is an old one…and just does one way!

  • Knowledge is empowerment – great to adhere and follow these tips. I don’t think that I will actually do much different – I shred now and I don’t share personal information – favorite feature is Call Block right now ! My son says “Mom you are too cautious” – in this day and age – we have to be. Hope he can benefit from this life lesson !

  • I do pretty well all those things now but don’t have my tax papers in a locked case. I will have to do that and hopefully will win this new shredder so I can shred my papers. Right now I cut them up in pretty small pieces. I also put cut up papers in different bags for garbage, I never put them all in the same place.

  • I don’t know why i got rid of my shredder. Now I need another to protect my info!

  • I literally have three boxes of papers that needs to be shredded as I am absolutely crazy about getting rid of my personal information safely. My shredder broke (probably overworked it) and I could really use this. Awesome quality shredder!

  • Yes! I am going to change my passwords more often and shred sensitive information.

  • !. Get creative with passwords and change regularly
    2. Don’t procastinate. File taxes early
    3. Win this shredder to shred all the junk mails and personal documents

  • Yes! I’ll mail my tax returns AT the Postal Office – so much safer when I think about it. Thanks for all the tips!

  • I will start shredding my important and private papers, will take to my mom’s until I with this.

  • Shred no-longer-needed tax documents with a Cross-Cut shredder – I have been doing this but how long do you keep them, 7 years?

  • I could put this next to the counter for all the bills & mail once I’ve scanned them.

  • Scary! I would definitely look into getting a good shredder. I’ve been way too lazy with mail, bills etc. I guess I always figure there is someone else, with a bigger house, whose recycling bin would be more financially interesting!

  • Interesting…I guess I best head to the post office when mailing. BUT I also need a shredder because right now i am using scissors to cut…lol!

  • We have to start shredding. We are not good about disposing of our private information.

tenille-lafontaine

Feisty Things

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