Vulnerable To Tax-, Employment-related Identity Theft

[Peaches]

Vulnerable To Tax-, Employment-Related Identity Theft

Phishing, vishing, and unscrupulous tax preparers pose increasing threats

Mar 24, 2009 | 03:00 PM

By Affinion Security Center

NORWALK, Conn., March 24 -- Tax time will unfortunately bring more than a refund check to many taxpayers this year. Affinion Security Center, a leading provider of identity theft protection, detection and resolution services, recently conducted a survey of 1,000 adults to determine the level of awareness and concern that exists for tax- and employment-related identity theft. Overall, the findings revealed that taxpayers have a lack of awareness and only moderate levels of concern, leaving them vulnerable and unprotected against these growing threats.

Taxpayers Vulnerable to Phishing and Vishing Tax Scams and Unscrupulous Tax Preparers When asked how the IRS contacts taxpayers regarding their tax returns, 53 percent did not respond correctly. 23 percent of those responded that they did not know the ways the IRS contacts taxpayers regarding their tax returns, while 22 percent thought that the IRS could call or email them. Additionally three percent thought the IRS could contact them on the telephone and five percent would not be surprised to receive an email from the IRS.

DarkReading - http://www.darkreading.com/security/showAr...ies+and+threats