ID Theft During Tax Season

David Randall is a staff writer for Forbes

In the coming weeks, many Americans can expect to receive W-2s and other tax forms that detail just how much money they made over the last year. Unfortunately, at least some of those forms are likely to include a person’s full Social Security number and bank account number. In the wrong hands, that information can lead to identify theft.
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, a non-profit consumer advocacy group based in San Diego, suggests that consumers take the following steps to secure their tax forms over the next few months:
- If you’ve moved during the year, contact each company you’ve worked for and give them your new address rather than relying on the Post Office to forward your mail.
- Use a Post Office box or buy a mailbox that you can lock.
- Have the Post Office hold your mail if you are going to be away for more than one night.
- Never leave mail in your mailbox overnight. -- David K. Randall