As tax season commences, Allstate Identity Protection has released a survey highlighting Americans' increasing concerns about identity theft. The survey reveals that 64% of Americans are worried about scammers stealing their personal information, such as Social Security numbers, to file fraudulent tax returns and claim refunds.
Caroline Slane, senior vice president of business operations at Allstate Identity Protection, stated, "Tax season is prime time for identity theft, with refunds on the line that are often worth thousands. We help people take control before fraud happens and get their life back on track when it does."
The findings indicate that 40% of Allstate Identity Protection's identity restoration cases occur during tax season. Despite these concerns, many individuals may be overlooking available protections to safeguard their personal information and refunds.
Allstate now offers an identity restoration plan with a dedicated specialist to assist members in recovering stolen identities, restoring credit, and securing accounts. These plans start at $3 per month.
A significant portion of the population remains unprotected; one in three Americans admit they have taken no measures against tax-related identity theft. Furthermore, one in five individuals report increased concern this year compared to previous years.
Slane advises filing early and using an IRS Identity Protection PIN as proactive steps to protect personal information and ensure tax refunds remain secure. She added, "The best way to stay safe is to file early, use an IRS Identity Protection PIN and stay alert."
For those suspecting they are victims of tax-related identity theft, immediate action is crucial. Additional tips on safeguarding personal information during tax season can be found at AllstateIdentityProtection.com.