The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) reminds taxpayers to exercise caution while the tax season is in full gear. Regrettably, every year there are Wisconsin taxpayers who become victims of theft and tax return scams every year. In light of this, it is crucial that Wisconsin residents are informed about scam warning signs and ways to avoid tax fraud.

Online con artists frequently try to file a tax return in your name with a stolen social security number during tax season while redirecting the rebate to themselves by using their own banking details.  Frequently thieves also steal the identities of children to claim them as dependents to increase the value of the tax return.

To combat this theft, the IRS has a method of keeping you safe. It's known as the IRS Identity Protection PIN, or IP PIN. The IP PIN is a six-digit number known only to you and the IRS. An IP PIN assists the IRS in verifying your identification and accepting your electronic or paper tax return. It stops a burglar from submitting a tax return solely with your Social Security number. To learn more about the IP PIN Opt-In Program, go to irs.gov/ippin. Wisconsin also operates a similar ID protection Pin program and you can learn more at www.revenue.wi.gov

In addition to the PIN, here are some additional steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of being targeted by tax thieves:

• File your taxes early in the season to prevent a thief from doing it for you.
• Ensure that your antivirus software is up to date and that your computer system is current.
• Use secure passwords when logging into your tax software. See https://datcp.wi.gov/ for additional information.
• Make sure to limit the amount of personal details that you share online.
• Steer clear of links that can take you to phony websites.
• Refrain from downloading attachments from dubious senders or communications.
• You should be aware that the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, the US Treasury, and the IRS will NEVER call you and threaten to arrest you or take other legal action because you owe unpaid taxes. These calls are all prank calls.
• For more, visit https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Publications/ImposterScams214.aspx.

If you feel like you have been a victim of tax fraud, report the fraud right away to the IRS at 1-800-829-0433 and the WI Department of Revenue at 608-266-2486. In addition, DATCP has put together a comprehensive list of identity theft resources that you can access on their website at https://datcp.wi.gov