Get Ready for Tax Season: Your Complete Guide to Preventing ID Fraud

[Karen Schimpf]

It's tax time again! While you might be looking forward to getting money back, some people try to steal others' tax information. Here's how to keep your information safe and protect yourself from scammers.

Key Ways to Stay Safe

1. Lock Your Credit

The best way to protect yourself is to lock your credit with the three main credit companies - Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. When you do this:

• No one can check your credit or open new accounts without your permission
• Your personal information stays safer
• You control who sees your credit information
• You can unlock it when you need to apply for a loan or credit card

2. Protect Your Online Information

Keep your information safe online by:

• Making a special email account just for your financial accounts
• Using two-step verification (like getting a code on your phone)
• Using strong passwords for each account and a password manager to remember them
• Using secure internet connections with VPN
• Checking your accounts often for anything strange

3. Spot Common Scams

Be aware of these scams (hang up and call the official business number):

• Fake emails or calls pretending to be the IRS
• Messages asking for personal information
• Dishonest tax preparers
• Fake job offers and W-2 forms
• People asking for donations during tax time
• People impersonating your bank
• People impersonating County Sheriff's Department claim missed jury duty, have warrants for your arrest.

What to Do If Someone Steals Your Information

If you think someone is using your information:

1. Call the IRS's special identity theft unit
2. Report it to the Federal Trade Commission
3. Tell your bank
4. Call your local police
5. Write down everything that happens

Keeping your information safe takes some work, but it's worth it. These steps might seem like a lot, but they're much easier than fixing problems after someone steals your information. Taking these simple steps now can save you from big headaches later.

Give us a call today at 512-358-1511 to discuss your commercial finance needs or click here get started by filling out this form!

Karen Schimpf

(512) 358-1511

[email protected]

www.ApplyCommercialLoans.com

P.S. We help your business secure $150,000+ in working capital for restaurants, retail, hotels, IT companies, assisted living facilities, and medical practices. Whether you’re expanding, managing inventory, or covering unexpected expenses, we provide tailored solutions to keep your business thriving. Call me today to access the funding you or your clients need at 512-358-1511!

P.S.S Don't forget - We are still actively funding on our other loan programs - Fast Close Bridge and SBA loans for business only or Real Estate. We also can fund some smaller construction loans with our other programs like the $20 Million ground-up hotel deal we recently funded.