Michael Milazzo photo

Michael A. Milazzo, CLU, ChFC

Registered Principal

 

The Meridian Financial Company

3350 Club Villas Dr SE, Unit #1303

Southport, NC 28461

 

Phone:  631-979-4223

Fax:      910-854-0002

 

Email: meridian@ae.cadaretgrant.com

Website: www.merfinco.com

November/December 2017

Fight refund fraud

Fight refund fraud

Do you think you’ll get a tax refund next year? Did you know that identity thieves can steal your refund before you even file your return? Here are some things to be aware of before you file so you can protect your tax refund from identity thieves.


Keep your computer secure. Use security software that updates automatically and includes:


    Firewall
  • Virus/malware protection

  • File encryption for sensitive data


Recognize andavoid phishing attempts.
Do not open or answer phishing emails, texts or calls that you receive that appear to be from the IRS. The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text message or social media to request personal or financial information. And don’t open email attachments if you don’t know the sender.
Protect your personal information. You shouldn’t routinely carry your Social Security card or any documents that list your Social Security number. Keep old tax returns and tax records in a secure location and shred any tax documents before Fight disposing of credit report, Fraudbank and credit card statements.


And don’t share too much personal information on social media that can be used to impersonate you.
If you are a victim of tax-related identity theft, respond immediately to any IRS notice and submit Form 14039. You also should file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov, contact one of the three major credit bureaus to have a “fraud alert” placed on your credit records and contact your financial institutions.


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Securities and Advisory Services offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co, Inc, a Registered Investment Advisor and Member FINRA/SIPC. The Meridian Financial Company and Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. are separate entities. I am registered to sell Securities in the following States: NY, NJ, PA, NC, FL, ID.
The Meridian Financial Company and LTM Marketing Specialists LLC are unrelated companies. This publication was prepared for the publication’s provider by LTM Client Marketing, an unrelated third party. Articles are not written or produced by the named representative.

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