1ec3631e-29e1-45eb-9917-9ec2e6efa0a5.pdf



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Release


Contact: Lauren J. Muzzy

Vice President &

Corporate Relations Officer 717.339.5103

lmuzzy@acnb.com


ACNB BANK OFFERS 7 TIPS TO PREVENT TAX IDENTITY FRAUD

Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week is January 25-29


GETTYSBURG, PA, January 25, 2016 --- As Americans begin the process of filing tax returns, identity thieves are scheming to get their hands on that money. Tax identity theft has been the most common form of identity theft reported to the Federal Trade Commission for the past five years. ACNB Bank is using Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week, January 25-29, to raise consumer awareness and provide tips to prevent tax identity fraud.

"Identity thieves look for every opportunity to steal your information, especially during tax season," said Tiffany M. Faust, Vice President & Information Security Officer at ACNB Bank. "Consumers should be on high alert and take every step they can to protect their personal and financial information."

Tax identity fraud takes place when a criminal files a false tax return using a stolen Social Security number in order to fraudulently claim the refund. Identity thieves generally file false claims early in the year and victims are unaware until they file a return and learn one has already been filed in their name.

To help consumers prevent tax identity fraud, ACNB Bank is offering the following tips:


  1. File early. File your tax return as soon as you're able giving criminals less time to use your information to file a false return.


  2. File on a protected WiFi network. If you're using an online service to file your return, be sure you're connected to a password-protected personal network. Avoid using public networks like a WiFi hotspot at a coffee shop.
  3. Use a secure mailbox. If you're filing by mail, drop your tax return at the post office or an official postal box instead of your mailbox at home. Some criminals look for completed tax return forms in home mailboxes during tax season.
  4. Find a tax preparer you trust. If you're planning to hire someone to do your taxes, get recommendations and research a tax preparer thoroughly before handing over all of your financial information.
  5. Shred what you don't need. Once you've completed your tax return, shred the sensitive documents that you no longer need and safely file away the ones you do.
  6. Beware of phishing scams by email, text or phone. Scammers may try to solicit sensitive information by impersonating the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Know that the IRS will not contact you by email, text or phone. If the IRS needs information, they will contact you by mail.
  7. Keep an eye out for missing mail. Fraudsters look for Form W-2s, tax refunds or other mail containing your financial information. If you don't receive your Form W-2s, and your employer indicates they've been mailed, or it looks like it has been previously opened upon delivery, contact the IRS immediately.


If you believe you're a victim of tax identity theft or if the IRS denies your tax return because one has previously been filed under your name, alert the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490. In addition, you should:

  • Respond immediately to any IRS notice and complete IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit.


  • Contact the three major credit bureaus to place a 'fraud alert' on your credit records and request a copy of your free credit report:

    • Equifax, www.Equifax.com, 1-800-525-6285


    • Experian, www.Experian.com, 1-888-397-3742


    • TransUnion, www.TransUnion.com, 1-800-680-7289


  • Review your credit report carefully and contact your bank and other creditors immediately if you identify accounts that have been opened without your permission.

  • If you are the victim of a duplicate filing, contact your state tax authority as well.


  • Continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return, even if you must do so by paper.


  • Keep copies of all letters or reports that document your situation. They may be necessary to repair your credit and other fraudulent activity.

More information about tax identity theft is available from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at identitytheft.gov and the IRS at irs.gov/identitytheft.

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Editor's Note:


About ACNB Bank

ACNB Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ACNB Corporation, an independent financial holding company with assets of $1.13 billion headquartered in Gettysburg, PA. Originally founded in 1857, ACNB Bank serves its marketplace with banking and trust services via a network of 21 retail banking offices located in the four southcentral Pennsylvania counties of Adams, Cumberland, Franklin and York. In addition, the Bank operates a loan office in York, PA. The other wholly-owned subsidiary of ACNB Corporation is Russell Insurance Group, Inc., its insurance subsidiary. Russell Insurance Group, Inc. offers a broad range of commercial and personal insurance lines with licenses in 36 states, including Pennsylvania and Maryland, through offices in Westminster, Carroll County, and Germantown, Montgomery County, MD. For more information regarding ACNB Corporation and its subsidiaries, please visit acnb.com.


ACNB #2016-1

January 25, 2016

ACNB Corporation issued this content on 25 January 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 25 January 2016 18:40:18 UTC

Original Document: https://www.acnb.com/SiteData/docs/PressRelea/19b4dc3fe01363c8/Press Release - 2016-1 Tax ID Theft Prevention.pdf