CFO Jimmy Patronis: Top 4 Tips to Protect Your Tax Refund from Fraud
2/15/2019
CFO Jimmy Patronis: Top 4 Tips to Protect Your Tax Refund from Fraud
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Two months out from Tax Day 2019, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis urges Floridians to take steps to protect themselves this tax season. With our state ranking number one in fraud and number two for identity theft, it’s key that you safeguard both your identity and tax refund.
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “Last year, the IRS reported a staggering
$46 million claimed in fraudulent refunds. Don’t fall victim to criminals this tax season and protect your identity by enrolling in the IRS PIN program or by taking other proactive protection steps immediately.”
Four Tax Tips from CFO Patronis:
3. Shred your old tax and bank documents
Dispose of old financial documents securely by shredding them once you no longer need them. Receipts, bank statements and tax documents can allow criminals access to your personal information.
4. Be Scam Savvy as Tax Day approaches
Don't fall victim to phone calls with the caller claiming to be an IRS official. Always remember: The IRS will not call you if you owe taxes without first sending you a notification in the mail, and they do not require that you pay your taxes a certain way, such as a prepaid debit card. The IRS will also not threaten to arrest you for not paying.
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About CFO Jimmy PatronisChief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet, who oversees the Department of Financial Services. El Oficial Principal de Finanzas Patronis trabaja todos los días para luchar contra el fraude de seguros, apoyar a los bomberos de la Florida y garantizar que las finanzas del estado sean estables para respaldar el crecimiento financiero del estado. Siga las actividades del Departamento en Facebook (
FLDFS) y Twitter (
@FLDFS).