 TITLE: How Does the IRS Verify Your Identity? CONTENT: How to Protect Your Identity Going Forward\n------------------------------------------\nTax identity theft underscores just how important it is to keep your personal information safe from prying eyes. If you've been the victim of this type of fraud, consider taking the following steps:\n*   **Safeguard your credit.** If identity thieves have their hands on your private information, a fraud alert or credit freeze can help protect you from further damage. A credit freeze essentially blocks potential new creditors from pulling your credit report—and, in turn, approving new accounts in your name—until you unfreeze your report. Alternatively, a fraud alert asks lenders to verify your identity before issuing a new loan or credit card in your name.\n*   **Protect your private information.** From your SSN to your digital banking passwords, keeping sensitive information safe is critical. When shopping online, avoid public Wi-Fi networks, which may have been compromised by hackers. If you must use a public Wi-Fi for anything sensitive, using a virtual private network (VPN) can make it harder for fraudsters to steal your information. For all your online accounts, use a password that's secure and unique—a password manager can help you keep track.\n*   **Stay vigilant of scams.** Be wary of any phone calls or emails that request personal information. If you're questioning their legitimacy, reach out to the organization directly to verify that the correspondence is real. END