CHICAGO, IL (Chambana Today) – The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) urges taxpayers to stay aware of online threats in preparation for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.
To protect personal information and avoid falling victim to cyber scams, IDOR offers the following online safety tips:
- Protect personal information: Avoid sharing too much personal information online, such as birthdates, addresses, age, bank account details, and Social Security numbers.
- Use strong passwords: Utilize a password manager to create and store complex passwords.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Implement MFA for an added layer of security for online accounts.
- Use security software: Anti-virus programs and firewalls can provide additional protection against online threats.
- Beware of phishing emails and social media scams: Be cautious of messages that mimic legitimate promotional offers or shipping notifications, as these can trick you into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware.
- Beware of spoofed websites and fake online stores: Fake websites that imitate popular retailers may appear during the holiday season, aiming to steal your payment information.
- Beware of text message phishing scams: Deceptive texts can lure you into providing personal or financial information. Clicking on links or attachments may send information from your phone to others without your consent.
- Use a credit card instead of a debit card: Credit cards offer an extra layer of protection when shopping online, unlike debit cards that are directly linked to your bank account.
- Monitor bank and credit card statements: Regularly check your accounts for any unauthorized transactions and report suspicious activity immediately.
“Throughout the year, IDOR, members of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and other state tax administrators all work together to safeguard taxpayers’ personal information,” said IDOR Director David Harris. “This time of year, as holiday shopping begins and online sales tend to hit record highs, there is often an increased risk of cybercriminals taking advantage of unsuspecting shoppers.”
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