Fraud, identity theft & cybersecurity

What you need to know — and what you can do to protect yourself

​

THE THREAT IS REAL

Tax-related fraud and identity theft are among the fastest-growing crimes in the United States. Every year, criminals steal billions of dollars from taxpayers by filing fraudulent returns using stolen Social Security Numbers, intercepting refunds, and impersonating financial professionals to gain access to sensitive personal data.

​

As your tax and financial advisor, we want to make sure you have the information and tools you need to protect yourself — not just inside our engagement, but in every corner of your financial life.

​

HOW ASCENDANCE CONSULTING PROTECTS YOUR DATA

NIST — the National Institute of Standards and Technology — develops cybersecurity and privacy standards, guidelines, and best practices to meet the needs of U.S. industry, federal agencies, and the broader public. Ascendance Consulting builds its internal data security practices around these standards, including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, as part of our commitment to protecting your information at every level of our operation. 

​

Our information security practices include:

• A formal Written Information Security Plan (WISP) maintained in compliance with the FTC Safeguards Rule

• Encrypted, secure document exchange through your client portal — no sensitive data transmitted via email or text

• Individual software consent for every platform that interacts with your data

• Cybersecurity protection across all staff devices and accounts

• Strict access controls limiting your information to authorized personnel only

 

THE IRS IDENTITY PROTECTION PIN — ONE OF THE BEST TOOLS AVAILABLE

If there is one proactive step we encourage every client to take, it is enrolling in the IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) program.

​

An IP PIN is a six-digit number assigned by the IRS that must be included on your tax return before it can be accepted for processing. If a criminal steals your Social Security Number and attempts to file a fraudulent return in your name, they cannot do it without your IP PIN — which they don't have.

​

Enrollment is free, voluntary for most taxpayers, and takes only a few minutes.

[Enroll in the IRS IP PIN Program] 

​

Important: Once you receive your IP PIN, share it with us before we file your return. Your IP PIN changes every year — you will receive a new one each January.

​

SIGNS YOUR IDENTITY MAY HAVE BEEN COMPROMISED

Watch for these warning signs that something may be wrong:

• You receive an IRS notice that more than one return was filed using your Social Security Number

• You receive a notice from the IRS for a year you did not file

• IRS records show wages from an employer you don't recognize

• You are unable to e-file because your Social Security Number has already been used

• You receive unexpected tax forms (W-2s, 1099s) from companies you have no relationship with

• You receive IRS collection notices for amounts you don't owe

 

If any of these apply to you, contact us immediately and report it to the IRS.

 

PROTECTING YOURSELF BEYOND TAX SEASON

Identity theft doesn't stop at your tax return. Here are practical steps every business owner and individual should take year-round:

• Monitor your credit — review your free credit reports regularly at annualcreditreport.com

• Place a credit freeze — the most effective way to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name. Free at all three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)

• Use strong, unique passwords — never reuse passwords across financial accounts

• Enable two-factor authentication — on every financial account, email, and tax-related platform

• Be skeptical of unsolicited contact — the IRS initiates contact by mail, not by phone, email, or text. We will never ask for sensitive information via email or text

• Secure your mail — consider a locked mailbox or P.O. box if you receive sensitive financial documents by mail

• Shred before you trash — any document with your name, SSN, EIN, or financial account information should be shredded before disposal

 

IF YOU BECOME A VICTIM

If you believe your identity has been stolen or your tax information has been compromised, take these steps immediately:

1. Contact Ascendance Consulting — jacki@ascendance-consulting.com — so we can take protective action on your tax accounts

2. File an IRS Identity Theft Affidavit (Form 14039) at irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams

3. Report the theft to the FTC at identitytheft.gov — the FTC will create a personalized recovery plan for you

4. Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus

5. File a report with your local police department — this creates an official record that may be required by creditors or the IRS

 

OFFICIAL RESOURCES

• IRS Identity Theft Central: irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams

• IRS IP PIN Enrollment: irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin

• FTC Identity Theft Recovery: identitytheft.gov

• Annual Credit Reports (Free): annualcreditreport.com

• NIST Cybersecurity Framework: nist.gov/cyberframework

• NIST Small Business Cybersecurity: nist.gov/itl/smallbusinesscyber

 

If you have questions about any of the information on this page or believe your information may have been compromised, please contact us immediately at jacki@ascendance-consulting.com. This page is provided for informational purposes and is updated periodically.

 

[View Our Financial Privacy Page] [View Our GLBA Page] [Contact Us]