Personal Security and Identity Theft Expert Shares Six Tips to Help Citizens Avoid Tax Season–Related Identity Theft

(IDTheftSecurity.com) With tax season upon us, Robert Siciliano, a widely televised and quoted personal security and identity theft expert, shared six tips designed to help citizen better shield themselves against identity theft and other malicious data-related attacks during tax season. He advised consumers to invest in paper shredding, GPS tracking for mobile computers, and other technologies.

"Tax season, for many reasons, leaves us extra vulnerable to identity theft," Siciliano told citizens. "You can take a number of easy, important steps to shield yourself against identity thieves." He advised the following:

• Shred your paper files. A paper shredder is an incredible investment against identity theft, especially true during tax season, when paper files grow. If you are unsure of what to shred, and what to save, a recent press release by Fellowes, Inc., a manufacturer of paper shredders, has provided useful guidelines.

• Use GPS tracking from MyLaptopGPS™ to recover a lost laptop computer. If you file online with your mobile computer, MyLaptopGPS is a must-have. Recently mentioned on Law.com and ConsumerAffairs.com, this product from the company of the same name combines Internet-based GPS tracking, which is more effective than other forms of GPS are for tracking stolen laptops, with other functionalities that users can call on remotely. "The software also silently retrieves, and then deletes, files from lost machines," said Dan Yost, chief technology officer at MyLaptopGPS, "at once returning the data to its rightful owner and removing it from the stolen computer."

• Watch out for spoofed IRS e-mails—they're back. Distrust online messages that purport to be from the IRS, which never initiates communication with taxpayers via e-mail. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration has reportedly warned taxpayers that a number of phishing scams will be using the IRS as bait this tax season, just as in previous years.

• Invest in Web security software. Antivirus software, anti-spam ware, anti-spyware programs, and firewalls reduce the possibility that identity thieves, phishers and keyloggers (programs that copy the keystrokes of a machine's user) will compromise the data on your computer.

• Vary the passwords you use. The identity thief will make short work of your finances if just one password protects them all. Use many, and never leave them cached on your computer's Internet browser or on a notepad for all to see.

• Guard your Social Security number. The Social Security number is the key to the kingdom. Typically, you shouldn't need to provide this to anyone. Until our society figures out a better, more secure way to identify us all, treat your Social Security number with care. For tax filing purposes, the number may be needed, but be extra sure that the site requesting your number is indeed the IRS's.

President of IDTheftSecurity.com, Siciliano leads Fortune 500 companies and their clients in workshops that explore consumer education solutions for data security issues. The Privacy Learning Institute has featured Siciliano, a longtime speaker on identity theft. Author of "The Safety Minute: 01," Siciliano has discussed identity theft and data security on CNBC, on NBC's "Today Show," FOX News, and elsewhere.

"Tax season is identity theft season," Siciliano concluded. "Citizens must arm themselves against those who might take advantage of them at this time of year."

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About IDTheftSecurity.com
Identity theft affects us all, which is why Robert Siciliano, president of IDTheftSecurity.com, makes it his mission to provide consumer education solutions on identity theft to Fortune 500 companies and their clients. A leader of personal safety and security seminars nationwide, Siciliano has been featured on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, "The Suze Orman Show," "ABC News with Sam Donaldson," "The Montel Williams Show," "Maury Povich," "Sally Jesse Raphael," and "The Howard Stern Show." Visit Siciliano's Web site, www.IDTheftSecurity.com, or his blog, www.IDTheftSecurity.blogspot.com.

About MyLaptopGPS
Since 1984, the minds behind AIT Solutions, LLC (DBA MyLaptopGPS.com) have specialized in complete system integration. From real-time electronic payment processing software to renowned mid-market ERP implementations, the executive team at MyLaptopGPS has been servicing leading enterprises and implementing world-class data systems. With MyLaptopGPS™, AIT Solutions, LLC brings a level of expertise, dedication, knowledge and service that is unmatched. MyLaptopGPS™'s rock-solid performance, security, and reliability flow directly from the company's commitment to top-notch software products and services.

The media are encouraged to get in touch directly with the following individuals:

Robert Siciliano
Personal Security Expert
PHONE: 888-SICILIANO (742-4542)
FAX: 877-2-FAX-NOW (232-9669)
Robert@IDTheftSecurity.com
www.idtheftsecurity.com

John Dunivan
MyLaptopGPS Media Relations
PHONE: (405) 747-6654 (direct line)
jd@MyLaptopGPS.com
www.MyLaptopGPS.com

The media may also contact:

Brent W. Skinner, President
STETrevisions
PHONE: 617-875-4859
FAX: 866-663-6557
BrentSkinner@STETrevisions.biz
www.STETrevisions.biz