In a PIX11 Financial Fix segment, hosts discuss the surge in tax‑season identity theft, noting that 1 in 16 filers (about 490,000 cases) were victims last year. They bring in Ash Exantus, a financial‑empowerment coach with BankMobile, who outlines a step‑by‑step plan to avoid fraud. The key recommendations are: file taxes early to stay ahead of thieves; use a certified IRS tax preparer who is bound by ethical rules; never file over public Wi‑Fi and ensure a secure internet connection; if filing by mail, send returns via certified mail to prevent loss or interception; and after filing, monitor credit reports for any unauthorized activity. The conversation emphasizes that while the advice sounds simple, many people skip these safeguards due to rush, leaving them vulnerable to both immediate refund theft and longer‑term credit damage.
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We're just 2 months away from April 15th. Yes, the tax deadline, everybody. And you know what? We want to tell you right now, filing early can actually save you time, and you may also dodge some scammers. We've been reporting about these scammers, right, on the IRS a lot lately. So we thought it's time for us to bring in PIX11 Financial Fix contributor Ash Exantus, a financial empowerment coach with BankMobile, and he has step-by-step instructions on how to avoid tax fraud.
Absolutely.
It's been really common. We've been reporting on it. You know, what do we really need to know? Because the numbers have gone up significantly.
Yeah, 1 in 16 filers are, you know, taken advantage of. 490,000 cases last year.
That's a huge number. 1 in 16 are victims of ID theft. So you're saying right now, Ash, that you should file early and that will reduce your chances.
Why? Absolutely, because it's a race against the clock. The identity thieves are trying to file before you do. So you have to be able to do it as soon as possible to avoid them stealing your identity and filing and getting your refund that you should be getting.
Right, so file early so you're ahead of the game. You're ahead of the cheats.
Absolutely.
All right, it's important to know for people to do their homework when deciding on when to file, meaning who's gonna handle their situation and their personal information.
Oh, absolutely. So, you know, Uncle Johnny, Aunt Betsy, or Cousin Joe may have the hookup, but you don't know who, you know, what they're gonna do with your information afterwards.
Yeah.
So you wanna make sure that you get someone who is a certified IRS tax preparer, so that way they have to abide by certain ethics and rules to protect your information.
Once people do file, what are they doing with your information? I think that's the question you're asking. Also, let's talk about how can you make sure that your information does not get hacked?
Oh man, so you gotta make sure that you have secure internet access. Do not file your taxes in a public place. Don't use Wi-Fi.
Right.
Just make sure it's secure. And if you don't file it electronically and you do it by mail, make sure you go to the post office and do certified mail so that your taxes are not lost out there. You know, just out there.
Yeah, for people to get hands on.
Exactly.
So that's really important. Once again, certified mail, right?
Yes.
Make sure you're not using wireless Wi-Fi. And another great thing is to make sure that you're in a secure area and spot.
Absolutely.
And you know who's filing it.
Absolutely.
Yeah, I think if you follow these simple guidelines, and they sound simple, but a lot of people don't do it. Why don't they do it?
Because people are in a rush. It's craziness trying to get all of their information together. So they just want to get it done. But you know, fast, doing it fast may cost you money, especially because not only can they steal your taxes, but they can actually steal, you know, do things to your credit as well because they have all of your information. So make sure you check in your credit report as well.
And I think you made an important thing that this is a lot bigger than just stealing your identity. This is a long-term issue where they can really get into your credit report and you see your identity out there for sale. Ash Exantus from BankMobile, thanks for keeping us up to date and protected this tax season.
