Data breaches. Tax scams. Identity theft. They’re happening more and more often these days thanks to the “secure” world of the internet, and no one is exempt. If you happen to be one of the many whose taxes got “filed” for them in the latest cyberscam, here’s what the Federal Trade Commission and the IRS recommend you do as soon as possible:

1. Go to IdentityTheft.gov, the secure website set up by the FTC and the IRS to report the theft. It also gives you next steps to take start the process of getting your identity – and your life – back.

2. Contact Experian, TransUnion and Equifax to have them place a fraud alert on your credit reports. A phone call or a few clicks online and you’re all set.

3. Talk to the companies where verified fraud took place. Let them know what happened and have them freeze your accounts, change your log-ins, passwords and PINs as well.

4. Be sure to check IdentityTheft.gov for other resources if you find out the cyberthief has opened any accounts with your information.

While scamming and identity theft are no small matters and are invasive and violating, they can be  remedied relatively easily by taking these steps.

If you’re more comfortable talking to someone in person, reach out to us here and we’ll be more than happy to walk with you through the process of restoring your identity and your credit.