Free Tax Identity Theft Prevention Sessions Hosted By Pinellas County

CLEARWATER, FL – As documents are being delivered across the country in preparation for this year’s April 18 tax deadline, scam artists are also starting to ramp up their schemes to defraud the public.

Pinellas County Consumer Protection has scheduled several events between Jan. 23-27 in recognition of Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week in an effort to ensure public safety and welfare.

The week is dedicated to educating the public on how to protect themselves from tax-related crimes. Tax identity theft occurs when a person uses stolen personal information, such as a Social Security number, to file a fraudulent tax return to obtain a refund.

The scheduled events to take place are:

Monday, Jan. 23 – Identity Theft Prevention Tips Presentation

Sunshine Center, 330 Fifth ST. N., St. Petersburg

• 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: A Consumer Protection investigator and an attorney from the Stetson University College of Law Elder Law Program will be available to answer questions and provide free resources
• 12:30 to 1 p.m.: A presentation will be given by Pinellas County Consumer Protection and Stetson University College of Law

Tuesday, Jan. 24 – Internet Safety Presentation

Hale Senior Activity Center, 330 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Wednesday, Jan. 25: Identity Theft Prevention

On Top of the World, 2069 World Parkway Blvd. E., Clearwater

• 9:30 to 11 a.m.: Presentation will be given by Pinellas County Consumer Protection and the IRS

Thursday, Jan. 26: Senior Empowerment Day

Largo Community Center, 400 Alt. Keene Road, Largo

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: This event is sponsored by the Largo Police Department

Friday, Jan. 27: Dunedin Senior Awareness Fair

Hale Senior Activity Center, 330 Douglas Ave., Dunedin

• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Hosted by City of Dunedin Parks & Rec Department

CSA Palm Harbor, The Centre, 1500 16th St., Palm Harbor

• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Speak with a Consumer Protection Investigator and get free resources

Pinellas County Consumer Protection also offers these preventative steps:

• File tax returns early in tax season
• Use a secure internet connection to e-file
• Mail tax returns directly from the post office
• Shred any extra copies of tax documents
• Respond to mail from the IRS as soon as possible
• Remember the IRS will not contact taxpayers by e-mail, text or social media
• Only give out Social Security numbers or Medicare numbers when absolutely necessary
• Check credit reports at least once a year free of charge at www.annualcreditreport.com

People who believe they are victims of tax identity theft should contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at (800) 908-4490.

For more information about identity theft, contact Pinellas County Consumer Protection at (727) 464-6200 or visit www.pinellascounty.org/consumer.

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