Over 8 million Americans have their identity stolen each year and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that in 2007, the highest category of complaints was identity theft, attributing to 32% of total complaints received. Consumers reported fraud losses totaling more than $1.2 billion, almost double that of 2005. The following are some tips we have published to help you protect yourself.

1. Password-protect all tax returns that you print to PDF from your tax software so your SSN is secure.
2. Configure all peer-to-peer file sharing programs to disable the sharing of your personal folders so identity thieves can't download your tax return.
3. Don't email tax documents to your accountant unless they are encrypted to prevent anyone snooping on your network from gaining access to your financial information.
4. If downloading your IRS W2 forms, 1099s, and other personal tax documents from your employer, create a strong password when registering to download them so it is not easily guessed by strangers.
5. If you receive an email purporting to be from the IRS that requires personal information to process your return, rebate, or refund, do not respond to it.  The IRS does not contact you via email and this is more likely a phishing attack. 
6. When you postal mail your tax return to the IRS, mail it from a secured location, like the post office or an official USPS collection box, and do not let it sit in the box overnight as it could be stolen.  For added security use certified mail.
7. If you receive an unsolicited phone call from someone claiming to represent the IRS, do not give personal information over the phone. Hang up and call the IRS directly.
8. Permanently shred unsecured documents from your computer that contain personal information used to prepare your tax return.  Printed documents should be traditionally shredded.
9. Don't save your password in your web browser when accessing banks and other institutions that keep your personal information because it could be leaked if you ever get a virus, Trojan, or are hacked.
10. Install the latest updates to your operating system to prevent known Windows or Mac vulnerabilities from being exploited by hackers.
11. If making photo copies of your financial documents, make sure the photocopier does not store images of them in memory.

1. Always update Windows with the latest security fixes from Microsoft, don't keep clicking "Remind Me Later." Microsoft releases updates to fix known security problems that hackers are hard at work exploiting.
2. Always turn off file sharing when downloading music and videos. Many peer to peer file sharing programs allows strangers to access your computer files.
3. Always use a complex password, including mixed cases and seven characters to encrypt documents containing personal information you need. Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat have this capability.
4. Always use your wireless router's security features. Without security, Johnny Hacker connecting from across the street or in a downstairs apartment can easily access your computer and personal information.
5. Always make sure your laptop is with you at all times and don't leave it on the table at Starbucks while ordering.
6. Always shop on secured Websites from familiar companies you can trust.
7. Always look for the lock symbol in your browser's Status Bar or in the Address Bar to show you've got a secure connection when conducting online financial transactions. If it's not there, neither is any security!
8. Always check your credit report every quarter for free at annualcreditreport.com.
9. Never save passwords in web browsers on shared computers. Passwords can be viewed by other people on your computer in seconds.
10. Never e-mail or instant message personal information. Those communications are usually unsecured and can be listened in upon by other people.
11. Never sign up friends for internet deals. This could subject you and your friends to spam, viruses, and other malicious code.
12. Never use the same password across multiple websites. If your password is hacked at one site, it would be easy to try it with your username on many other sites.
13. Never scan your credit card, a check, your driver¹s license, or your signature and then send it to somebody. Those images are unsecure and can easily be used for fraud if they fall into the wrong hands.
14. Never enter personal information on public computers such as in a hotel, library, or at school. These systems may be infected with a virus or spyware capturing everything you type.
15. Never click any links in an email you receive saying there's a problem with your bank or other financial institution. Go to the bank's website and research the problem there (often, there won't be a problem!).