Identity thieves and fraudsters are working overtime, trying to use COVID-19 or any other current issue to scam you.

To help you combat identity theft, the IRS is encouraging people to get an Identity Protection PIN. This secret, voluntary pin is known only to you and the IRS. See if it’s right for you at IRS.gov/IPPIN.

All online tax providers are also offering multi-factor authentication for almost all customers, taxpayers, and tax professionals. Multi-factor authentication protects your online accounts from cyberthieves. This is a very important safety feature. Please, give it a try.

Let’s make it harder for the criminals:

  • Keep your computers and mobile phones secure.
  • Use antivirus software.
  • Use strong passwords.
  • Look out for email scams, especially tax or COVID-related.
  • Password protect your home wifi.
  • Stay safe shopping online by looking for “https” in the web address.