What can I do if I think someone has filed a tax return using my social security number?

A:

The IRS has security measures in place to verify the accuracy of tax returns and the validity of social security numbers submitted. However, if you receive a notice from IRS that leads you to believe someone may have used your social security number fraudulently, please notify IRS immediately by responding to the name and number printed on the notice or letter.

You can contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Identity Theft Hotline at (877) 438-4338 if you suspect someone else is using your social security number, or to secure information on how to prevent identity theft.

A:

File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

• The FTC maintains a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for investigations.
  
• The FTC is the lead government agency for information about identity theft.
  
• Call the FTC identity theft hotline at 1-877-438-4338.
  
• The credit bureaus will place a fraud alert on your credit file, requesting creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing accounts.
  
• Once the credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the other two credit bureaus
  
• File a police report.
  
• Submit a copy of the report to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime.

A:

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.