Tips to Spot Data Theft for National Small Business Week

It’s National Small Business Week. The Minnesota Department of Revenue is offering tips on spotting data theft.

You or your firm may be a victim of data theft and not even know it. Here are some common clues to spot data theft:

• Your clients’ e-filed tax returns begin to get rejected because returns with their Social Security numbers were already filed.
• The number of returns filed with your firm’s Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) exceeds your number of clients.
• Tax professionals or clients respond to emails you or your firm did not send.
• Your network computers run slower than normal.
• Computer cursors move or numbers change without your input.
• Network computers lock you out.
• Your clients receive any of the following:
  • IRS authentication letters (Letters 5701C, 4883C, or 5747C) for returns they did not file
  • Refunds for returns they did not file
  • Tax transcripts they did not request
  • IRS online services account emails stating an account was created when they did not create one
  • IRS online services account emails stating their account was accessed or disabled when they did not request it

What if I suspect I am the victim of data theft?

Call us as soon as possible at 651-296-3781 or 1-800-652-9094 (toll-free). We will connect you with a fraud coordinator who can assist with determining whether you are a victim and which clients’ or tax professionals’ information was accessed. Speed is critical. If you report theft quickly, we can take steps to block fraudulent returns in your clients’ names.