10 WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
by Jim Probasco Updated February 7, 2023
Identity theft thrives in the United States in part because Americans are asked to provide their Social Security Numbers (SSN) in many types of interactions. SSNs were never intended to be a "one size fits all" primary ID, but in many ways, that's exactly what has happened. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways for individuals to protect their SSN from identity thieves.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
WHEN TO PROVIDE YOUR SSN
Not everyone who requests your SSN actually needs it. Generally speaking, if an entity reports information about you to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you probably have to supply your SSN. This includes your employer, bands/lenders, the U.S. Treasury for savings bonds, and state unemployment insurance and workers' compensation offices.
Although other institutions and businesses have the fight to ask for your number, they often don't need it, and you aren't legally required to provide it.
IMPRTANT: As of January 2020, Medicare no longer uses Social Security numbers for identification. Instead, Medicaare recipients receive a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI)--a unique series of numbers and letters that they should also try to protect from identity thieves.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR SSN
Here are 10 things you can do to safeguard your SSN:
Check your credit score on a regular basis an AnnualCreditReport.com. You can usually only do this once a year for free..
If the Social Security Administration is still sending you an annual statement detailing your earnings, and it looks off, someone might be using your number for employment purposes. You can register to get statements at the SSA website.
by Jim Probasco Updated February 7, 2023
Identity theft thrives in the United States in part because Americans are asked to provide their Social Security Numbers (SSN) in many types of interactions. SSNs were never intended to be a "one size fits all" primary ID, but in many ways, that's exactly what has happened. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways for individuals to protect their SSN from identity thieves.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- To protect your SSN, start by controlling who gets it. The fewer places that have it, the better.
- Don't give your number out just because someone asks.
- Before giving it out, ask why they need it and how they will protect it.
- If you believe your number has been compromised, contact Social Security for guidance.
WHEN TO PROVIDE YOUR SSN
Not everyone who requests your SSN actually needs it. Generally speaking, if an entity reports information about you to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you probably have to supply your SSN. This includes your employer, bands/lenders, the U.S. Treasury for savings bonds, and state unemployment insurance and workers' compensation offices.
Although other institutions and businesses have the fight to ask for your number, they often don't need it, and you aren't legally required to provide it.
IMPRTANT: As of January 2020, Medicare no longer uses Social Security numbers for identification. Instead, Medicaare recipients receive a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI)--a unique series of numbers and letters that they should also try to protect from identity thieves.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR SSN
Here are 10 things you can do to safeguard your SSN:
- Offer an Alternative Form of ID: If a business or other organization asks for your SSN, offer your driver's license number instead. Other alternative forms of ID include a passport, proof of current and previous address (such as utility bills), or even a student ID from a college or university.
- Ask Why They Want It and How It Will Be Handled: If the business insists, ask questions. You have a right to know why it's necessary to provide your SSN and how it will be handled. Ask questions such as: (a) Why is having my SSN necessary? (b) With whom will you share my number if I provide it? (c) How will my number be stored? (d) Do you have a privacy policy, and may I see it? (d) Will you cover my liability or losses if my number is stolen or compromised? IMPORTANT: Unfortunately, if you are asked to provide your SSN to a business or an institution that doesn't need it, and you say no, it can refuse to provide services to you or put conditions on the service--such as requiring a deposit or additional fees.
- Leave Your Card at Home: Don't carry your Social Security Card around with you in your wallet or purse. Don't enter your SSN ito you phone, laptop, or other devices. It would be rare for you to need your card. Typically, reciting the Number is all that's required. Keep the number in your head and the card locked up at home.
- Shred Mail and Documents with Personal Details: Discarded mail and documents are a magnet for identity thieves. Don't just throw out papers that contain personal details such as your SSN. Get a paper shredder and use it on a regular basis. While you're at it, don't leave mail in an outside mailbox for long periods. Stealing mail is another way thieves can make off with your information.
- Don't Use Your SSN as a Password: Don't use the whole SSN--or even a part of it--as a password. The Password file can be stolen and decrypted, or someone can just watch you type it in from over your shoulder.
- Don't Send Your SSN via an Electronic Device: Never type your SSN into an email or instant message and send it. The majority of such messages can be intercepted and read. Also, don't leave a voicemail that includes your SSN. If you need to contact someone and give them your number, it's best to do it in person. The second best way is to reach them on the phone and do it live.
- Don't Give It out to Strangers: You should never provide your SSN to someone you don't know who calls you on the phone and requests it. This same warning applies to unsolicited emails and any forms you fill out on the Internet. In general, don't give your SSN to anyone unless you are absolutely certain they have a reason and a right to have it.
- Monitor Your Bank and Credit Card Accounts: Keep close tabs on your bank and credit card balances. This is one way to make sure your SSN and identity have not been compromised. Many banks let you sign up for account alerts. They will send you text messages or call you if transactions exceed a certain amount or if someone tries to use your SSN to access your account.
- Consider an Identity Protection Service: You can register with (and pay for) an identity protection service such as LifeLock, Identity Force, or Identity Guard. Such companies charge fees that typically start around $10 a month. Banks and credit unions also have packages they sell to customers, as do major credit rating agencies such as Experian and TransUnion. Many of the best credit monitoring services also offer identity protection tools and services.
- Don't Forget to Protect Your Child's SSN: While you are protecting your own SSN, make sure you are equally watchful about your children's numbers. This is most often an issue at the doctor's office. Fortunately, most medical facilities are more than happy to use an insurance account number instead of your SSN or your child's.
Check your credit score on a regular basis an AnnualCreditReport.com. You can usually only do this once a year for free..
If the Social Security Administration is still sending you an annual statement detailing your earnings, and it looks off, someone might be using your number for employment purposes. You can register to get statements at the SSA website.
How to Avoid an IRS Tax Audit
There are no hard and fast rules for what triggers a tax audit, but avoiding the
kinds of mistakes and moves that catch the attention of the IRS can help keep the
tax collectors at bay.
Even the best humor may not be an adequate antidote to the stress and anxiety
you’re likely to feel if you are subject to an audit by the IRS. According to one
analysis, only 3.8 of every 1,000 tax returns were audited in 2022.
Even though the chances you will be put under the IRS microscope are slim,
there are red flags that make itt more likely you’ll be scrutinized. Follow these
tips to reduce your odds of hearing from the IRS.
Know What Triggers an Automatic Second Look
From the hundreds of millions of income tax returns the IRS receives each
year, the agency selects a certain number to review, seemingly at random. While
there’s not much you can do to avoid ending up on the receiving end of a full-
blown audit, you can take steps to avoid getting singled out for an automatic
review.
The IRS computers that process those millions of returns are programmed to
spot discrepancies. A common one is when there is a difference between the
wage income on your return (the amount you find on a W2) and the amount your
employer reported to the IRS. This could happen, for instance, if you pick up the
year-to-date income from your last paystub of the year instead of the total
income from your W2. When that happens, the IRS will automatically send out a
notice.
Although a notice isn’t technically an audit, it does require you to reconcile the
figures—and possibly pay more taxes if the mistake wasn’t in your favor. In
recent years, there have been more discrepancies between the income reported
on tax returns and what is submitted to the IRS because taxpayers overlooked
stimulus checks and incorrectly reported certain tax credits.
Don’t Hide Your Side Hustle Income
The popularity of side hustles—income-generating pursuits outside of your full-
time job—surged during the recent pandemic. Today many Americans have a
side hustle, sometimes as a way to keep pace with rising prices, or perhaps with
the intent of turning the gig into a full-time career.
Regardless of why you take on extra work, you must report that income on your
tax return—or risk an audit. For example, say you were able to turn your passion
for cooking into freelance income from catering events. If your client itemizes the
cost of your catering service as a business expense and you didn’t report it as
income, you may hear from the IRS.
Note that even if you report this income properly, business income can increase
your odds of hearing from the IRS. Tax returns with Schedule C income face
higher-than-average audit rates.
Keep Your Finances Consistent
When the tax return you file one year is significantly different from your past
returns, that inconsistency may spark an IRS audit. There is a rationale for this:
Claiming a small mortgage interest deduction one year and a very large one the
next is unusual if you haven’t bought a new house or taken out a new loan.
Similarly, years of few or no charitable contributions followed by large donations
may prompt the IRS to take a closer look.
There is absolutely no reason to avoid taking these deductions if they are
legitimate. Just be sure to have the necessary paperwork to document your
deductions in case you are audited. For charitable deductions, that means listing
all the charities you donate to and the amount you gave to each organization.
“For all donations, you should have some sort of bank record or letter from the
charity saying what you donated,” says Elizabeth Buffardi, CFP, CPA and
president of Crescendo Financial Planners. “If you give more than $250 to a
charity, you must get a letter from that charity.”
Double and Triple Check Your Work
Errors big and small can trigger extra scrutiny of your tax return. Making sure
that you enter your exact income and deductions—don’t guess and keep any
rounding of numbers to just to the nearest dollar—is important. It’s also
important to double-check that your Social Security number and those of your
family members are accurate. And even if you have an accountant prepare your
return, take the time to verify that the information is correct.
Be Prepared
Even if you do everything right, you may still be selected for closer scrutiny by
the IRS. How difficult or smooth that process is will depend on how well you
have maintained your records.
“It is important to have the backup for all the income and deductions you take,
and you should keep those records for seven years,” says Buffardi. “If you are
audited, the auditor will ask for certain documents and you need to be able to
produce them. If you can’t, then, especially if the documents relate to a
deduction, that deduction may not be allowed, which can then cost you in
penalties and interest.”
There are no hard and fast rules for what triggers a tax audit, but avoiding the
kinds of mistakes and moves that catch the attention of the IRS can help keep the
tax collectors at bay.
Even the best humor may not be an adequate antidote to the stress and anxiety
you’re likely to feel if you are subject to an audit by the IRS. According to one
analysis, only 3.8 of every 1,000 tax returns were audited in 2022.
Even though the chances you will be put under the IRS microscope are slim,
there are red flags that make itt more likely you’ll be scrutinized. Follow these
tips to reduce your odds of hearing from the IRS.
Know What Triggers an Automatic Second Look
From the hundreds of millions of income tax returns the IRS receives each
year, the agency selects a certain number to review, seemingly at random. While
there’s not much you can do to avoid ending up on the receiving end of a full-
blown audit, you can take steps to avoid getting singled out for an automatic
review.
The IRS computers that process those millions of returns are programmed to
spot discrepancies. A common one is when there is a difference between the
wage income on your return (the amount you find on a W2) and the amount your
employer reported to the IRS. This could happen, for instance, if you pick up the
year-to-date income from your last paystub of the year instead of the total
income from your W2. When that happens, the IRS will automatically send out a
notice.
Although a notice isn’t technically an audit, it does require you to reconcile the
figures—and possibly pay more taxes if the mistake wasn’t in your favor. In
recent years, there have been more discrepancies between the income reported
on tax returns and what is submitted to the IRS because taxpayers overlooked
stimulus checks and incorrectly reported certain tax credits.
Don’t Hide Your Side Hustle Income
The popularity of side hustles—income-generating pursuits outside of your full-
time job—surged during the recent pandemic. Today many Americans have a
side hustle, sometimes as a way to keep pace with rising prices, or perhaps with
the intent of turning the gig into a full-time career.
Regardless of why you take on extra work, you must report that income on your
tax return—or risk an audit. For example, say you were able to turn your passion
for cooking into freelance income from catering events. If your client itemizes the
cost of your catering service as a business expense and you didn’t report it as
income, you may hear from the IRS.
Note that even if you report this income properly, business income can increase
your odds of hearing from the IRS. Tax returns with Schedule C income face
higher-than-average audit rates.
Keep Your Finances Consistent
When the tax return you file one year is significantly different from your past
returns, that inconsistency may spark an IRS audit. There is a rationale for this:
Claiming a small mortgage interest deduction one year and a very large one the
next is unusual if you haven’t bought a new house or taken out a new loan.
Similarly, years of few or no charitable contributions followed by large donations
may prompt the IRS to take a closer look.
There is absolutely no reason to avoid taking these deductions if they are
legitimate. Just be sure to have the necessary paperwork to document your
deductions in case you are audited. For charitable deductions, that means listing
all the charities you donate to and the amount you gave to each organization.
“For all donations, you should have some sort of bank record or letter from the
charity saying what you donated,” says Elizabeth Buffardi, CFP, CPA and
president of Crescendo Financial Planners. “If you give more than $250 to a
charity, you must get a letter from that charity.”
Double and Triple Check Your Work
Errors big and small can trigger extra scrutiny of your tax return. Making sure
that you enter your exact income and deductions—don’t guess and keep any
rounding of numbers to just to the nearest dollar—is important. It’s also
important to double-check that your Social Security number and those of your
family members are accurate. And even if you have an accountant prepare your
return, take the time to verify that the information is correct.
Be Prepared
Even if you do everything right, you may still be selected for closer scrutiny by
the IRS. How difficult or smooth that process is will depend on how well you
have maintained your records.
“It is important to have the backup for all the income and deductions you take,
and you should keep those records for seven years,” says Buffardi. “If you are
audited, the auditor will ask for certain documents and you need to be able to
produce them. If you can’t, then, especially if the documents relate to a
deduction, that deduction may not be allowed, which can then cost you in
penalties and interest.”
Email Scams 101
How to help protect yourself and your assets
Email scams are on the rise and have increased 111% from 2018 to 2022, with losses totaling over $2.7 billion in 2022, according to the FBI Internet Crimes Report. (And, even more in 2023.)
Using social engineering, email scammers gain the trust of a targeted person with the goal of getting them to send funds to a different person or entity than originally intended. Here are some things to know about email scams, so you can help protect yourself and your assets.
How they target you
Scammers typically interject themselves into your normal transactions to change the destination of the funds.
Common occurrences include:
1. Real estate closings: Scammers will impersonate the identity of the title/real estate agent, or closing attorney, and send different payment details.
2. Vendor impersonation: They can also pose as representatives of a company orgovernment agency and advise that an invoice must be paid immediately to avoid a negative consequence. They often ask for a wire transfer to a fraudulent bank
account or other means of payment, such as a check or ACH transfer.
3. CEO/executive impersonation: Scammers will also impersonate the CEO or executive of a company. They request that an employee within the accounting or finance department transfer funds to an attacker-controlled account
What to know and do
Knowing what to do and what to look for is critical to avoid becoming a victim of an email scam.
Account changes: Always verify and confirm details with the parties involved, especially with messages regarding funds transfers. Some email scammers use hacked email accounts, so it’s important to use a different method to verify that the
sender is not a scammer. You can call or text an associated phone number or interact on a trusted mobile app or chat channel.
Email sender validation: Scammers can also use fraudulent email addresses that closely resemble a legitimate email address that you may have been communicating with previously. The addition or removal of a single character in an email address may be difficult to spot at first glance:
Google.com vs. Google.corn: In this case, the scammer replaced .com with .corn, with the letters “r” and “n” replacing the letter “m”
JONDOE@BUSINESS vs. JON.D0E@BUSlNESS: For this example, the scammer used a zero instead of a capital O, and added a period in between “JON” and “D0E”. They also used a lowercase “L” in place of the capital “i”
Urgent or priority emails: Emails may contain a header in the subject line or phrases in the content of the email, such as “urgent” or “confidential.” If you receive an email marked urgent or confidential, please review it carefully for accuracy and reach out directly to the individual to validate the request. Do not use a phone number included in the email for validation, that is also part of the scam.
Submitted by Anna Webb,
from a CitiBank email
The insertions in italics are mine
How to help protect yourself and your assets
Email scams are on the rise and have increased 111% from 2018 to 2022, with losses totaling over $2.7 billion in 2022, according to the FBI Internet Crimes Report. (And, even more in 2023.)
Using social engineering, email scammers gain the trust of a targeted person with the goal of getting them to send funds to a different person or entity than originally intended. Here are some things to know about email scams, so you can help protect yourself and your assets.
How they target you
Scammers typically interject themselves into your normal transactions to change the destination of the funds.
Common occurrences include:
1. Real estate closings: Scammers will impersonate the identity of the title/real estate agent, or closing attorney, and send different payment details.
2. Vendor impersonation: They can also pose as representatives of a company orgovernment agency and advise that an invoice must be paid immediately to avoid a negative consequence. They often ask for a wire transfer to a fraudulent bank
account or other means of payment, such as a check or ACH transfer.
3. CEO/executive impersonation: Scammers will also impersonate the CEO or executive of a company. They request that an employee within the accounting or finance department transfer funds to an attacker-controlled account
What to know and do
Knowing what to do and what to look for is critical to avoid becoming a victim of an email scam.
Account changes: Always verify and confirm details with the parties involved, especially with messages regarding funds transfers. Some email scammers use hacked email accounts, so it’s important to use a different method to verify that the
sender is not a scammer. You can call or text an associated phone number or interact on a trusted mobile app or chat channel.
Email sender validation: Scammers can also use fraudulent email addresses that closely resemble a legitimate email address that you may have been communicating with previously. The addition or removal of a single character in an email address may be difficult to spot at first glance:
Google.com vs. Google.corn: In this case, the scammer replaced .com with .corn, with the letters “r” and “n” replacing the letter “m”
JONDOE@BUSINESS vs. JON.D0E@BUSlNESS: For this example, the scammer used a zero instead of a capital O, and added a period in between “JON” and “D0E”. They also used a lowercase “L” in place of the capital “i”
Urgent or priority emails: Emails may contain a header in the subject line or phrases in the content of the email, such as “urgent” or “confidential.” If you receive an email marked urgent or confidential, please review it carefully for accuracy and reach out directly to the individual to validate the request. Do not use a phone number included in the email for validation, that is also part of the scam.
Submitted by Anna Webb,
from a CitiBank email
The insertions in italics are mine
Am I At Risk For Identity Theft?
Personal identity protection has become even more vital due to the increased demand for digital services that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. The widespread use of email and online shopping also calls for adequate precaution for your identity and credit protection.
According to Javelin Strategy & Research—a subsidiary of award-winning analytics and advisory firm Escalent—15 million Americans were victims of identity fraud in 2021, amounting to losses of over $24 billion. By combkmmining
identity fraud and scam statistics, Javelin established that the total losses in the US were as high as $52 billion, with 42 million victims. Thus, failing to protect your identity could see you suffering a similar fate.
Is an Identity Theft Protection Tool Worth the Investment?
An identity theft protection tool can be the difference between being safe or suffering financial and legal consequences. Identity theft victims suffer the stress of trying to get their identity back, restoring their credit scores, and organizing the repayment of any financial implications of the crime. Identity thieves can also alter your medical records, which could harm your future medical care if not detected immediately.
Therefore, it’s worth investing in the best identity theft protection to secure your personal details. ID safety companies offer free trials to sample their full-service offerings, and you can also get discounts for your first annual subscription.
How Do These Tools Work?
The best identity protection services provide an all-round ID safety solution to help you guard your credentials but also recover if a personal data breach occurs. The protection companies monitor credit bureaus for any changes to your financial
status. For example, if a criminal attempts to open a fraudulent bank account in your name, the protection service will spot it and notify you.
Identity protection service providers check that your personal information is not being used anywhere else. They’ll scan the dark web, check social media, and send you suspicious activity alerts to enable you to be proactive about your safety. Furthermore, they offer money recovery services through their insurance policies and help to repair your credit score. Other solutions on offer include password managers, safe browsing and anti-phishing tools, and a virtual private network
(VPN) application to guard you when using public internet networks.
Here are some features and capabilities offered by the best identity protection services on the market today:
Aura--Complete Solution that protects you from fraud or identity theft
* Antivirus and WiFi Security VPN protection
* $1M identify theft insurance
* Fraud alerts in real time
* Flash Sale: Save up to 75% on family plans
Rated Exceptional 9.9
Life Lock--All inclusive identify theft protection for you and your family
* 60-day money back guarantee
* Up to $1M reimbursement
* Enroll in minutes
Rated Excellent 9.1
Identity Guard--Complete identity theft protection by IBM Watson Artificial Intelligence
* Constantly monitors billions of data point
* Dark web monitoring and SSN alerts
* Stolen funds reimbursement up to $1M
Rated Very Good 8.9
Zander Identity Theft--Smart and affordable protection
* Proactive monitoring and real time alerts
* Credit report reminders
* Repays up to $1M for stolen funds and expenses
Rated Good 8.4
Norton--Multi-layered protection covering millions of data points.
* Monitors personal information of over 10K websites.
* US based restoration agents available 24/7
* 60-day money back guarantee
Rated Excellent 9.0
myFICO--Achieve your credit goals with 3-bureau credit reports from Experian, Equifax, & TransUnion
* Black market website surveillance
* 90% of top lenders use FICO scores
* $1M identity theft insurance
Rated Very Good 8.5
Identity IQ--Find out about ID identity theft instantly with real-time alerts
* Regular credit monitoring and alerts
* Up to $1M reimbursement
* A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
Rated Very Good 8.5
Personal identity protection has become even more vital due to the increased demand for digital services that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. The widespread use of email and online shopping also calls for adequate precaution for your identity and credit protection.
According to Javelin Strategy & Research—a subsidiary of award-winning analytics and advisory firm Escalent—15 million Americans were victims of identity fraud in 2021, amounting to losses of over $24 billion. By combkmmining
identity fraud and scam statistics, Javelin established that the total losses in the US were as high as $52 billion, with 42 million victims. Thus, failing to protect your identity could see you suffering a similar fate.
Is an Identity Theft Protection Tool Worth the Investment?
An identity theft protection tool can be the difference between being safe or suffering financial and legal consequences. Identity theft victims suffer the stress of trying to get their identity back, restoring their credit scores, and organizing the repayment of any financial implications of the crime. Identity thieves can also alter your medical records, which could harm your future medical care if not detected immediately.
Therefore, it’s worth investing in the best identity theft protection to secure your personal details. ID safety companies offer free trials to sample their full-service offerings, and you can also get discounts for your first annual subscription.
How Do These Tools Work?
The best identity protection services provide an all-round ID safety solution to help you guard your credentials but also recover if a personal data breach occurs. The protection companies monitor credit bureaus for any changes to your financial
status. For example, if a criminal attempts to open a fraudulent bank account in your name, the protection service will spot it and notify you.
Identity protection service providers check that your personal information is not being used anywhere else. They’ll scan the dark web, check social media, and send you suspicious activity alerts to enable you to be proactive about your safety. Furthermore, they offer money recovery services through their insurance policies and help to repair your credit score. Other solutions on offer include password managers, safe browsing and anti-phishing tools, and a virtual private network
(VPN) application to guard you when using public internet networks.
Here are some features and capabilities offered by the best identity protection services on the market today:
Aura--Complete Solution that protects you from fraud or identity theft
* Antivirus and WiFi Security VPN protection
* $1M identify theft insurance
* Fraud alerts in real time
* Flash Sale: Save up to 75% on family plans
Rated Exceptional 9.9
Life Lock--All inclusive identify theft protection for you and your family
* 60-day money back guarantee
* Up to $1M reimbursement
* Enroll in minutes
Rated Excellent 9.1
Identity Guard--Complete identity theft protection by IBM Watson Artificial Intelligence
* Constantly monitors billions of data point
* Dark web monitoring and SSN alerts
* Stolen funds reimbursement up to $1M
Rated Very Good 8.9
Zander Identity Theft--Smart and affordable protection
* Proactive monitoring and real time alerts
* Credit report reminders
* Repays up to $1M for stolen funds and expenses
Rated Good 8.4
Norton--Multi-layered protection covering millions of data points.
* Monitors personal information of over 10K websites.
* US based restoration agents available 24/7
* 60-day money back guarantee
Rated Excellent 9.0
myFICO--Achieve your credit goals with 3-bureau credit reports from Experian, Equifax, & TransUnion
* Black market website surveillance
* 90% of top lenders use FICO scores
* $1M identity theft insurance
Rated Very Good 8.5
Identity IQ--Find out about ID identity theft instantly with real-time alerts
* Regular credit monitoring and alerts
* Up to $1M reimbursement
* A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
Rated Very Good 8.5
Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) is one of the deadliest plants in North America and can be fatal if just a small amount is ingested. It can be found across much of the United States. It grows (often in dense patches) along roads, trails and the edges of fields and streams.
Queen Anne's lace is a wild edible (the root) and given that it typically does grow in the same conditions as poison hemlock, being able to tell the difference could save your life. Plus, you'll want to know if you have it growing on your property because it's also toxic to pets and livestock. So let's walk through how to identify both so that you can confidently identify them in the future.
The stem of Queen Anne's lace will be hairy it will have hairs fine hairs all the way up the stem. And no spots whereas poison hemlock will be a smooth stem with purple blotches.
The flowers of both species are white and bloom in an umbrella shape pattern (called an umbel). The flowers of Queen Anne's lace have a single purplish/red flower in the center of the umbel much of the time (see picture below left). Also, the umbrella shape of Queen Anne's lace is flat-topped, while the poison hemlock umbel is more rounded. Notice the difference below.
A final distinguishing feature is that Queen Anne's lace has 3-pronged bracts appearing at both the base of the flowers and the main umbel. It is the only member of the Apaiceae family that has this feature. If you look at the picture of the poison hemlock flowers under the image below on right, you will see that poison hemlock is absent of the long bracts.
Hopefully, you will now be able to identify both plants when you encounter them in the wild. And if you can, please pass this information along. It may just save the life of a loved one or pet.
Article by: Gabe Garms
Queen Anne's lace is a wild edible (the root) and given that it typically does grow in the same conditions as poison hemlock, being able to tell the difference could save your life. Plus, you'll want to know if you have it growing on your property because it's also toxic to pets and livestock. So let's walk through how to identify both so that you can confidently identify them in the future.
The stem of Queen Anne's lace will be hairy it will have hairs fine hairs all the way up the stem. And no spots whereas poison hemlock will be a smooth stem with purple blotches.
The flowers of both species are white and bloom in an umbrella shape pattern (called an umbel). The flowers of Queen Anne's lace have a single purplish/red flower in the center of the umbel much of the time (see picture below left). Also, the umbrella shape of Queen Anne's lace is flat-topped, while the poison hemlock umbel is more rounded. Notice the difference below.
A final distinguishing feature is that Queen Anne's lace has 3-pronged bracts appearing at both the base of the flowers and the main umbel. It is the only member of the Apaiceae family that has this feature. If you look at the picture of the poison hemlock flowers under the image below on right, you will see that poison hemlock is absent of the long bracts.
Hopefully, you will now be able to identify both plants when you encounter them in the wild. And if you can, please pass this information along. It may just save the life of a loved one or pet.
Article by: Gabe Garms
Scams to Watch For During Tax Season
Tax time is stressful enough. Having someone file a bogus claim in your name or discovering that your tax preparer is a fake can ratchet up the stress to stratospheric levels.
Prevention is the best way to avoid getting your tax return hijacked. If someone does file a false return in your name, you can fix the problem, but it’s a sure bet that your refund will be delayed.
Preparer Fraud:
Scammers have plenty of ways to take advantage of you, but two favorite scams occur during tax time. Since the start of the COVID-19 epidemic, tax-related identify theft has increased by 45 percent, says Linda Williams, community outreach and training manager for Consumer Action.
The first type of tax scam is preparer fraud. The criminals set up shop as expert tax preparers and promise big refunds. For a fee, they fill out a return filled with trumped-up tax deductions and credits, with your name on the return. When the refund rolls in, it will go to their own bank accounts. By the time you come looking for them, they’ll be long gone.
WARNING SIGNS THAT YOUR TAX PREPARER MAY BE A FRAUD
That brings us to the second type of tax fraud:
Identity theft:
When tax filing involves identity theft, the scammers will get your Social Security number and other information, submit the return, and get the refund delivered to them though their bank. Most often, you won’t discover the fraud until you try to file a return and IRS computers kick it back because a return for you has already been filed. Alternatively, you’ll get an inquiry from the IRS questioning fraudulent deductions.
WARNING SIGNS THAT SOMEONE HAS HIJACKED YOUR TAX RETURN
No matter who prepares your return, you are ultimately responsible for its accuracy. “The best thing you can do [to prevent identity theft on your tax return] is to sign up to get an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number,” or IP-PIN, says IRS spokesman Eric Smith. Once you’re part of the program, you get a new IP-PIN each year, which you use alongside your Social Security number when you file a return. “In that sense, it’s a little like two-factor verification in that it gives you an extra layer of protection,” Smith says.
Another easy way to thwart identity theft tax fraud: File early. If you get your return in before the scammer does, the phony return will be rejected.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’VE BEEN TAX HACKED
Act quickly if you think someone has filed a false return in your name, and never ignore IRS notifications. Note that the IRS doesn’t initiate actions via telephone, email or social media, nor does the IRS threaten to cancel your Social Security number. A real IRS letter has a notice letter or a letter number on the top or bottom right-hand corner. If you’re suspicious, contact the IRS at 800-908-4490.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU DISCOVER THAT YOUR TAX PREPARER IS A SWINDLER
First, call the police. You’re a victim of a crime, and you should file a police report naming the preparer as a suspect.
You’ll also want to fill out IRS forms 14157 and 14157-A .You’ll need a copy of the bogus return, a signed copy of the return you intended to file, proof of the refund amount, and proof that you’ve received the refund. You’ll also need copies of the documents you received from the preparer.
If you’ve received a letter from the IRS about the preparer, send the forms to the address on the letter.
Otherwise, send them to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: Return Preparer Office
401 W. Peachtree St. NW
Mail Stop 421-D
Atlanta, GA 30308
If the IRS hasn’t tried to contact you and you think your identity has been stolen, fill out IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit. IRS Identity Theft Victim Assistance will work to help you resolve your tax issue, and help you identify other areas where you might have been compromised, such as with your bank, credit cards or credit rating. They will ensure that your correct return is processed, and release your refund (provided you are due one). The IRS may also put you in the IP-PIN program and get you a new PIN every year.
Try to be patient. The IRS says that resolving ID theft typically takes 120 days. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has created an enormous backup in processing cases. Current average wait time: 430 days.
While you wait for the IRS to resolve your case, you’ll have plenty of other things to do. Check with your state tax agency to see what you need to do if the scammer also filed a phony state tax return. You should also report your case to the FTC or by calling 877-438-4338.
Article by John Waggoner, AARP -- February 16, 2023
John Waggoner covers all things financial for AARP, from budgeting and taxes to retirement planning and Social Security. Previously he was a reporter for Kiplinger's Personal Finance and USA Today.
Tax time is stressful enough. Having someone file a bogus claim in your name or discovering that your tax preparer is a fake can ratchet up the stress to stratospheric levels.
Prevention is the best way to avoid getting your tax return hijacked. If someone does file a false return in your name, you can fix the problem, but it’s a sure bet that your refund will be delayed.
Preparer Fraud:
Scammers have plenty of ways to take advantage of you, but two favorite scams occur during tax time. Since the start of the COVID-19 epidemic, tax-related identify theft has increased by 45 percent, says Linda Williams, community outreach and training manager for Consumer Action.
The first type of tax scam is preparer fraud. The criminals set up shop as expert tax preparers and promise big refunds. For a fee, they fill out a return filled with trumped-up tax deductions and credits, with your name on the return. When the refund rolls in, it will go to their own bank accounts. By the time you come looking for them, they’ll be long gone.
WARNING SIGNS THAT YOUR TAX PREPARER MAY BE A FRAUD
- They refuse to sign the return or enter a Preparer Taxpayer Identification Number. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires both if someone else prepares your return. The IRS will initially assume that it’s you who attempted tax fraud. You can look up legitimate tax preparers in a searchable IRS database.
- They base their charges on a percentage of your refund.
- They ask you to sign a blank or incomplete tax form.
- They file the return without allowing you to review it.
That brings us to the second type of tax fraud:
Identity theft:
When tax filing involves identity theft, the scammers will get your Social Security number and other information, submit the return, and get the refund delivered to them though their bank. Most often, you won’t discover the fraud until you try to file a return and IRS computers kick it back because a return for you has already been filed. Alternatively, you’ll get an inquiry from the IRS questioning fraudulent deductions.
WARNING SIGNS THAT SOMEONE HAS HIJACKED YOUR TAX RETURN
- You can’t e-file because of a duplicate Social Security number.
- You get a letter from the IRS asking about a suspicious return you didn’t file.
- You get an IRS notice that an online account has been created in your name, and you didn’t create it.
- You get an IRS notice that you owe additional taxes.
- IRS records indicate wages from an employer you didn’t work for.
- You’ve been assigned an Employer Identification Number (EIN) that you didn’t ask for.
No matter who prepares your return, you are ultimately responsible for its accuracy. “The best thing you can do [to prevent identity theft on your tax return] is to sign up to get an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number,” or IP-PIN, says IRS spokesman Eric Smith. Once you’re part of the program, you get a new IP-PIN each year, which you use alongside your Social Security number when you file a return. “In that sense, it’s a little like two-factor verification in that it gives you an extra layer of protection,” Smith says.
Another easy way to thwart identity theft tax fraud: File early. If you get your return in before the scammer does, the phony return will be rejected.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’VE BEEN TAX HACKED
Act quickly if you think someone has filed a false return in your name, and never ignore IRS notifications. Note that the IRS doesn’t initiate actions via telephone, email or social media, nor does the IRS threaten to cancel your Social Security number. A real IRS letter has a notice letter or a letter number on the top or bottom right-hand corner. If you’re suspicious, contact the IRS at 800-908-4490.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU DISCOVER THAT YOUR TAX PREPARER IS A SWINDLER
First, call the police. You’re a victim of a crime, and you should file a police report naming the preparer as a suspect.
You’ll also want to fill out IRS forms 14157 and 14157-A .You’ll need a copy of the bogus return, a signed copy of the return you intended to file, proof of the refund amount, and proof that you’ve received the refund. You’ll also need copies of the documents you received from the preparer.
If you’ve received a letter from the IRS about the preparer, send the forms to the address on the letter.
Otherwise, send them to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: Return Preparer Office
401 W. Peachtree St. NW
Mail Stop 421-D
Atlanta, GA 30308
If the IRS hasn’t tried to contact you and you think your identity has been stolen, fill out IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit. IRS Identity Theft Victim Assistance will work to help you resolve your tax issue, and help you identify other areas where you might have been compromised, such as with your bank, credit cards or credit rating. They will ensure that your correct return is processed, and release your refund (provided you are due one). The IRS may also put you in the IP-PIN program and get you a new PIN every year.
Try to be patient. The IRS says that resolving ID theft typically takes 120 days. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has created an enormous backup in processing cases. Current average wait time: 430 days.
While you wait for the IRS to resolve your case, you’ll have plenty of other things to do. Check with your state tax agency to see what you need to do if the scammer also filed a phony state tax return. You should also report your case to the FTC or by calling 877-438-4338.
Article by John Waggoner, AARP -- February 16, 2023
John Waggoner covers all things financial for AARP, from budgeting and taxes to retirement planning and Social Security. Previously he was a reporter for Kiplinger's Personal Finance and USA Today.
Bored? Just Looking for Some Innocent Fun? BEWARE!
Social media is used as a fun distraction for some people, and taking a Facebook quiz may seem like a harmless way to pass the time. But are you giving away more information than you think?
How the Scam Works
A fun quiz pops up on your Facebook feed or another social media platform. A few questions are answered to prove how well you know a friend.. Or a short personality test is offered to match with a character from a favorite TV show.
These quizzes appear to be meaningless, but the intent behind them is to collect information. For example, questions like" "What was the first car you owned?" "What is your mother's maiden name?" or "What is the name of the street you grew up on?" These are common security questions for insurance, banking and credit card accounts. Sharing this information can lead to accounts being hacked, and personal and financial information being stolen.
Not all social media quizzes are data collection scams; however, BBB cautions users to be careful about what they share online and to check the privacy settings on the account. Social media data and quiz answers can be used to steal identity or enable a scammer to impersonate you to your friends and family.
Social media is used as a fun distraction for some people, and taking a Facebook quiz may seem like a harmless way to pass the time. But are you giving away more information than you think?
How the Scam Works
A fun quiz pops up on your Facebook feed or another social media platform. A few questions are answered to prove how well you know a friend.. Or a short personality test is offered to match with a character from a favorite TV show.
These quizzes appear to be meaningless, but the intent behind them is to collect information. For example, questions like" "What was the first car you owned?" "What is your mother's maiden name?" or "What is the name of the street you grew up on?" These are common security questions for insurance, banking and credit card accounts. Sharing this information can lead to accounts being hacked, and personal and financial information being stolen.
Not all social media quizzes are data collection scams; however, BBB cautions users to be careful about what they share online and to check the privacy settings on the account. Social media data and quiz answers can be used to steal identity or enable a scammer to impersonate you to your friends and family.
Amazon Scam Warning: Beware of Deliveries You Didn't Order
Written by Clark.com Staff | November 29th, 2022
Have you recently received an Amazon package that you didn’t order? It may be part of a scam called “brushing.”
This scheme involves a package from Amazon showing up at your doorstep with your name on it, but it’s not anything you ordered.
Legally, you get to keep any package that’s addressed to you, but this scam isn’t entirely a victimless crime.
What Is Amazon Brushing?
Third-party online sellers engage in “brushing” scams in an attempt to raise product ratings on websites such as Amazon. The seller pays a third party to purchase their products through fake buyer accounts they’ve created.
After the purchase, the item gets delivered to a real address. Then the seller can write a positive review of their own product from the fake Amazon buyer account.
Reviews are hugely important to any seller on Amazon. The more reviews a particular product has and the better the reviews are, the higher the product will rank in Amazon’s algorithm. That means more exposure for that product which potentially leads to more sales.
In addition, sellers who engage in brushing scams sometimes write what are called “verified purchase reviews.” Anyone with an Amazon account can write a review for any product, but verified purchase reviews rank higher in the algorithm. And Amazon gives reviews that label only if it confirms that the product was bought at full price from the reviewer’s account.
Tips to Avoid Media Scams
The Dangers of Amazon Brushing
CNN Business reports brushing scams became popular in the mid-2010s. There have been many examples of brushing made public since then.
A woman in Thousand Oaks, California, received unordered Amazon packages every two weeks for more than six months.
The packages contained items ranging from a briefcase to a hair straightener to a coffee cup warmer.
In Massachusetts, CBS News reported a couple received 1-2 packages every week for five months. The unsolicited Amazon packages contained items including a humidifier, a flashlight, Bluetooth speakers and a computer vacuum cleaner.
By law, unsolicited merchandise is yours to keep, according to the United States Postal Inspection Service. So you don’t have to return any package you receive, and if you don’t want it, you can donate it to a good cause.
But Amazon brushing is still a threat to you and other consumers.
Your Information Is Compromised
Receiving unordered packages from Amazon means your information has been compromised. A third-party seller somehow acquired your name, shipping address and possibly your Amazon account information.
Amazon provides a help page for victims of brushing scams. We also reached out to the company’s press center and received a statement from an Amazon spokesperson via email.
It said, in part, “… we take action on those who violate our policies, including withholding payments, suspending or removing selling privileges, or working with law enforcement.”
Amazon says it will investigate and “will take action on bad actors that violate” its policies.
Fake Amazon Reviews Inflate Product Ratings
Online purchasers rely on reviews to make shopping choices.
“The real losers here are the consumers who are possibly believing many of these fake positive reviews, or this artificial padding of reviews because they might see 100 positive reviews, and then there may only be 60 or 70 of them that are legitimate,” former Amazon policy enforcement investigator Chris McCabe told CNN.
What To Do if You Get Something From Amazon You Didn’t Order
If you have received an unsolicited Amazon package and have confirmed no one you know sent you a gift, here’s what you can do to protect yourself and future potential victims:
Final Thoughts
With Amazon brushing, there is no risk of legally owing money on a package you did not order.
But there is a potential risk in that someone has found at least your name and mailing address. You don’t know what else they may have or how else they could be using your personal information.
Amazon brushing is also bad for consumers overall, as it falsely elevates product ratings.
Have you ever received a package that you didn’t order? Share your experience in our Clark.com Community.
Written by Clark.com Staff | November 29th, 2022
Have you recently received an Amazon package that you didn’t order? It may be part of a scam called “brushing.”
This scheme involves a package from Amazon showing up at your doorstep with your name on it, but it’s not anything you ordered.
Legally, you get to keep any package that’s addressed to you, but this scam isn’t entirely a victimless crime.
What Is Amazon Brushing?
Third-party online sellers engage in “brushing” scams in an attempt to raise product ratings on websites such as Amazon. The seller pays a third party to purchase their products through fake buyer accounts they’ve created.
After the purchase, the item gets delivered to a real address. Then the seller can write a positive review of their own product from the fake Amazon buyer account.
Reviews are hugely important to any seller on Amazon. The more reviews a particular product has and the better the reviews are, the higher the product will rank in Amazon’s algorithm. That means more exposure for that product which potentially leads to more sales.
In addition, sellers who engage in brushing scams sometimes write what are called “verified purchase reviews.” Anyone with an Amazon account can write a review for any product, but verified purchase reviews rank higher in the algorithm. And Amazon gives reviews that label only if it confirms that the product was bought at full price from the reviewer’s account.
Tips to Avoid Media Scams
- Be skeptical: Before answering a quiz, figure out who created it. Is it a brand you trust? Just because something appears to be fun and innocent, doesn't mean there isn't an inherent risk.
- Adjust privacy settings: Review the social media account's privacy settings and be strict about any information that is shared - and be mindful of who you are sharing it with.
- Remove personal details from your profile: Don't share information like a phone number or home address on social media accounts.
- Don't give answers to common security questions: Be cautious if the questions in a quiz ask for things like your mother's maiden name, the street you grew up on, previously owned vehicles, favorite foods, or the name of your high school.
- Monitor friend requests. Don't accept friend requests from people you don't know. Also be wary of a second friend request from someone you are already connected with; the second profile may be an impostor trying to access your data and your Friends list.
The Dangers of Amazon Brushing
CNN Business reports brushing scams became popular in the mid-2010s. There have been many examples of brushing made public since then.
A woman in Thousand Oaks, California, received unordered Amazon packages every two weeks for more than six months.
The packages contained items ranging from a briefcase to a hair straightener to a coffee cup warmer.
In Massachusetts, CBS News reported a couple received 1-2 packages every week for five months. The unsolicited Amazon packages contained items including a humidifier, a flashlight, Bluetooth speakers and a computer vacuum cleaner.
By law, unsolicited merchandise is yours to keep, according to the United States Postal Inspection Service. So you don’t have to return any package you receive, and if you don’t want it, you can donate it to a good cause.
But Amazon brushing is still a threat to you and other consumers.
Your Information Is Compromised
Receiving unordered packages from Amazon means your information has been compromised. A third-party seller somehow acquired your name, shipping address and possibly your Amazon account information.
Amazon provides a help page for victims of brushing scams. We also reached out to the company’s press center and received a statement from an Amazon spokesperson via email.
It said, in part, “… we take action on those who violate our policies, including withholding payments, suspending or removing selling privileges, or working with law enforcement.”
Amazon says it will investigate and “will take action on bad actors that violate” its policies.
Fake Amazon Reviews Inflate Product Ratings
Online purchasers rely on reviews to make shopping choices.
“The real losers here are the consumers who are possibly believing many of these fake positive reviews, or this artificial padding of reviews because they might see 100 positive reviews, and then there may only be 60 or 70 of them that are legitimate,” former Amazon policy enforcement investigator Chris McCabe told CNN.
What To Do if You Get Something From Amazon You Didn’t Order
If you have received an unsolicited Amazon package and have confirmed no one you know sent you a gift, here’s what you can do to protect yourself and future potential victims:
- Report the unordered package to Amazon customer service at (888) 280-4331.
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission online or by phone at (877) 382-4357.
- Change the password on your Amazon account and any other accounts that have the same password.
- Keep a close eye on your credit card statements to spot suspicious activity.
Final Thoughts
With Amazon brushing, there is no risk of legally owing money on a package you did not order.
But there is a potential risk in that someone has found at least your name and mailing address. You don’t know what else they may have or how else they could be using your personal information.
Amazon brushing is also bad for consumers overall, as it falsely elevates product ratings.
Have you ever received a package that you didn’t order? Share your experience in our Clark.com Community.