Yingling Offers Identity Theft Prevention Tips

For Immediate Release:

For More Information:

January 29, 2016

State Rep. Sam Yingling

(847) 231-6262

repsamyingling@gmail.com

www.repsamyyingling.com

Facebook/RepSamYingling

GRAYSLAKE, Ill. - Identity theft scammers posing as the IRS continue to be a problem in our community, which is why state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, is offering some reminders and tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.

“Tax season is around the corner which means documents with your personal information are landing in your mailbox from employers, banks and retirement accounts. It is important to take safeguards to protect our identity from those seeking to exploit your good name,” Yingling said. “One of the most common forms of identity theft has been tax identity theft, and I urge everyone to take appropriate precautions when filling out their paperwork.”

To reduce the chance of becoming a victim of tax identity theft, Yingling offers these tips:

· Consider a USPS approved locking mailbox and check your mailbox frequently.

· File your tax returns early in the tax season if possible;

· If filing electronically, use a secure internet connection and avoid unsecure, publically available Wi-Fi hotspots;

· If filing by mail, mail your tax returns directly from the post office;

· Shred copies of your tax return, drafts or calculation sheets that you no longer need;

· Know that the IRS will always contact individuals by mail first, not by email, text or social media, and never give out your Social Security number or Medicare number without asking why it’s needed, how it will be used and how it will be stored;

· If you think you are a victim of identity theft, contact the Illinois Attorney General’s Identity theft hotline at 866-999-5630 or contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unity at 800-908-4490.

Yingling represents the 62nd District, which contains portions of Gages Lake, Grayslake, Hainesville, the Round Lake communities, Wauconda and Wildwood.

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