Mail theft is a major issue during tax season, this is due to thieves having knowledge of your W-2s which are free to grab directly from under your nose – directly from your mailbox. During tax time, identity thieves focus on W-2s because they include Social Security numbers, birth dates and salaries.
The information contained in a W-2 offers a thief the chance to open credit cards, bank or other accounts with the victim's data, as well as to make purchases and even apply for a job. Separately, postal inspectors warn that a stolen W-2 can be used by a thief to file for a refund anticipation loan off a tax return.
There are some steps you can take to avoid having your tax information stolen. The primary defense is to simply check the mail each day as soon as possible after it gets delivered. That leaves thieves with little time to snatch mail that contains personal information. In fact, this is a wise strategy any time during the year when you are expecting the delivery of credit cards, checks or similar items.
Meanwhile, if you plan to be on vacation or away from home for a considerable amount of time, consider placing a hold on your mail or renting a post office box. You could also ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up and hold your mail for you.
Also, let the issuer know as soon as possible if you did not receive your W-2, credit card mailings or other valuable mail. And, contact your local postmaster or nearest postal inspector if you believe your mail was stolen. Should you move, be sure to update the post office and anyone you do business with.
Though most of us have already received our W-2s, later this spring when your tax return arrives, identity thieves will be able to snatch up your tax return and cash it.
It’s imperative that you either swap out your old mailbox for a new locking model, or do away with your home mailbox altogether and use a post office box instead. This latter option is the most secure for incoming and outgoing mail.
Whether you have unsecured credit cards, medical bills, personal loans or collection accounts, there’s help for you. The National Debt Relief Group offers a free consultation. You can fill out our Short Application and one of our debt specialists will contact you within minutes, or you can call now – (888) 703-4948.
Information is power and protection. If you have more advice regarding the theft of a W-2 or any other identity theft please share it with us.
www.nationalrelief.com