This is not an all inclusive list regarding Identity Theft.   How can you minimize becoming a victim? Don't carry your Social Security Number with you Protect your financial information Check your credit report every 12 months Secure your personal information in your home Don't give personal information over the phone, through the mail or on the internet unless you have initiated the contact or you are sure you know who you are dealing with Protect your personal computer by using firewalls, anti-spam software and virus protection software Update your computer monthly for security patches Change passwords for internet accounts every three months The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers via e-mails and it does not request detailed information through e-mail What if you are a victim of identity theft? Report incidents of identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/idtheft or the Identity Theft Hotline at 1-877-438-4338 or 1-866-653-4261 File a report with the local police department Contact the three credit bureaus Equifax, Transunion, Experian Close any accounts that have been opened without your authorization Close any accounts that have been tampered with  What if you receive an e-mail claiming to be from the IRS? Confirm the contact you received is from the IRS by calling 1-800-829-1040 Forward the bogus e-mail claiming to be from the IRS to phishing@irs.gov.  Do not open attachments or click on the links found within bogus e-mail Click for more information regarding Identity Theft     Remember, the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers through e-mail and it does not request detailed-personal information through e-mail.