Pam Bondi Warns of Identity Theft and Tax-Related Scams This Tax Season

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is urging Floridians to use caution when filing tax returns and to be aware of identity theft and tax-related scams.

Any signs of tax fraud or identity theft, such as receiving a letter that your tax return has been filed when it has not, should be reported to my office by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM, said Bondi in a press release Thursday.

Her office offered the following tips to avoid identity theft and tax fraud:

File tax returns early. The IRS will reject a return if one is already filed with that Social Security number.

Ask for credentials of the tax preparer, and ask if he or she belongs to a state board or bar association which requires continuing education.

Do not provide your Social Security number unless it is required.

Do not carry your Social Security card or write it on checks.

Shred financial documents and papers before discarding them.

Be wary of providing sensitive information via the Internet.

Do not respond to emails asking for information relating to tax refunds. The IRSs website is the legitimate source for checking on refund status.

Check credit report every 12 months.