How Can You Avoid Tax Scams and Identity Theft? (The Drew Mariani Show)

Drew Mariani had credit expert Paul Oster on the show to share some hard-hitting truth about tax scams and identity theft. If you haven’t filed your taxes yet, be aware that the scammers are out there. 😳   You can listen to the whole hour of conversation here!   📌 What’s the Big Deal?   With most of us filing taxes online, scammers are having a field day. They’re filing fake returns using stolen Social Security numbers, pocketing your refund, and wrecking your credit. All while you’re left trying to untangle the mess. 😩   👉 According to an Allstate survey, 2 out of 3 Americans are freaking out about their personal info being compromised during tax season. They’re not wrong to worry.     🔒 Paul Oster’s Top Tips to Stay Safe:   Set Up an IRS PIN:   -This PIN is like a secret password that prevents scammers from filing fake returns under your name.   -📌 How? Go to irs.gov and create your PIN. Keep it somewhere safe! 🙏   Create Your IRS e-File Account:   -Even if you use a tax preparer, you need this account. Otherwise, scammers can set one up in your name and steal your info. 😬   -Pro tip: If they create it first, you’re basically handing them the keys to your financial life.    Check Your Credit Regularly:   -Thanks to the pandemic, you can now check your credit every week for free at annualcreditreport.com.   -Look for weird addresses or unfamiliar accounts. If you see anything off, act fast. 🚨   Don’t Fall for Phishing & Smishing Scams:   -Scammers love urgent texts about road tolls, bank fraud, or unpaid taxes.   -Rule #1: Never click links or call numbers from unsolicited messages.   -Rule #2: Always contact official sources directly.     The Dark Web Nightmare:   Paul Oster explained that stolen info usually gets sold on the dark web for about 10 bucks. That’s right. Your Social Security number is worth about as much as a breakfast. ☕🥐   The really bad news is that 97% of people who’ve done anything online (banking, shopping, etc.) have their info floating around out there. 😱     🔑 Password Safety Tips:   -Use Password Managers: Paul Oster says they’re worth it, but only if you stick to the big names like Norton or McAfee.   -Change Your Passwords Regularly: If you don’t, you become an easy target. 🪤     📬 The Safe Way to File?   Honestly, snail mail 📮 is still one of the safest ways to file. Yeah, it’s old school, but it works.     Final Word of Advice:   Stay vigilant, proactive, and paranoid enough to double check everything. The bad guys are smart, but you can be smarter. 🧠💪     The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.