Posts Archive
Identity Theft
Top 11 Ways to Prevent Fraud and Identity Theft
By Matt Boelter, Viridian Financial Advisor and Shareholder Almost every day we hear stories from families affected by some form of fraud. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), identity theft is one of the most commonly reported types of fraud. Here are some suggestions for staying out of harm’s way, and a few of…
Read More41 million Americans have had their identities stolen
Many Americans are dangerously at risk of being victims of credit card fraud and as many as 41 million U.S. adults have already had their identity stolen, according to a Bankrate.com survey of 1,000 adults conducted last month. Another 49 million know someone who has been affected, the research found. “About 2 in 5 Americans…
Read MoreCredit Traps for the Unwary
It’s hard to imagine functioning in today’s society without access to credit. However, you need to be careful not to fall victim to some of the pitfalls associated with it. Revolving credit can make it hard for you to pay off debt Credit cards allow you to spend money you don’t currently have, and to…
Read MoreRecovering from Identity Theft
You’ve read about it, and you thought it would never happen to you. But suddenly your bank account is empty, your credit card bills are through the roof, and you’re getting late notices for accounts you don’t own. Your identity has been stolen. What now? Time is money To minimize your losses, act fast. Contact,…
Read MoreProtect Yourself against Identity Theft
Whether they’re snatching your purse, diving into your dumpster, stealing your mail, or hacking into your computer, they’re out to get you. Who are they? Identity thieves. Identity thieves can empty your bank account, max out your credit cards, open new accounts in your name, and purchase furniture, cars, and even homes on the basis…
Read MoreIRS Releases the “Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams for 2014; Identity Theft, Phone Scams Lead List
Clipart courtesy of Microsoft Word and Article reprinted courtesy of www.IRS.gov WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued its annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams, reminding taxpayers to use caution during tax season to protect themselves against a wide range of schemes ranging from identity theft to return preparer fraud. The Dirty Dozen…
Read MorePHISHING
Clipart courtesy of Microsoft Word and Article reprinted courtesy of www.irs.gov Don’t Fall for Phony IRS Websites The IRS warns consumers about a new tax scam that uses a website that mimics the IRS e-Services online registration page. The actual IRS e-Services page offers web-based products for tax preparers, not the general public. The phony…
Read MoreNational Taxpayer Advocate Identifies Priority Areas and Challenges in Mid-Year Report to Congress
Clipart courtesy of Microsoft Word WASHINGTON — National Taxpayer Advocate Nina E. Olson today released her statutorily mandated mid-year report to Congress that identifies the priority issues the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) will address during the upcoming fiscal year. The report emphasizes the importance of taking concrete steps to give meaning to the recently…
Read MoreIRS SERVICES
Volunteer Tax Assistance, Outreach Programs and Identity Theft The IRS sponsors volunteer assistance programs and offers help to taxpayers in many community locations. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) offers free tax help by trained volunteers to low to moderate-income taxpayers. VITA sites are locally available at community locations, and provide free basic income…
Read MoreDon’t Fall for the Dirty Dozen Tax Scams
Every year, people fall prey to tax scams. That’s why the IRS sends a list of its annual “Dirty Dozen”. We want you to be safe and informed – and not become a victim. Taxpayers who get involved in illegal tax scams can lose their money, or face stiff penalties, interest and even criminal prosecution.…
Read More