Unfortunately, many scammers think of tax season as an opportunity to take advantage of others. As always, Gold Standard Tax likes to start Tax Season off with important security and safety reminders – not to install fear, but just to make our dear tax payers “security conscious”.
When it comes to electronics and the cyber world…
Here are a few tips when it comes to using your electronics this tax season:
1.) Always stop and think
If a website is asking for important information (like your social security number), ALWAYS stop and think before sharing. Does this particular company need the information that is being requested? Is it a secure server? Then proceed after asking yourself these questions.
2.) Use security software
Installing security software on your devices helps do exactly what it says – keeps your device (and any important information on it) secure!
3.) Use unique passwords
I know… I know… using your kids name or your birthdate is oh so easy to remember. But it is also oh so easy for scammers to figure out. If you have difficulty remembering your passwords, use a software (that is secure) to remember them for you. But never risk easy passwords.
When it comes to the office and the real world…
Here are a few tips for your “paper trail” that you have at home or in the office:
1.) Shred before you trash
If you have documents with important information on it that needs to be discarded, always shred it before you throw it away.
2.) Lock it up
Do you have important documents in your home office or in your office office? We recommend never leaving a paper trail… but if you must use actual paper documents, be sure they are locked in a secure location and are never left lying around.
3.) Check before you share
Just like online, never give away important information via snail mail or over the phone without double checking who is asking.
If you have any questions about staying secure this tax season, please be sure to just reach out and ask one of us #GoldenGirls.
