Pinellas County will host information sessions and shredding events to help prevent identity theft.

PINELLAS COUNTY – As tax season gets underway, Pinellas County Consumer Protection and the Federal Trade Commission remind residents to be vigilant in protecting their personal and financial information.

Tax identity theft happens when someone uses a Social Security number that isn’t theirs to receive a tax refund or job. To help ensure public safety and welfare, Consumer Protection has scheduled several events this week (Jan. 28 – Feb. 2) in recognition of Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week.

The week is dedicated to educating the public on identity theft prevention and related scams. The events during Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week include:

Monday (Jan. 28): 

9 – 10 a.m.  ABC Action News Phone Bank

Representatives from county and state agencies will answer viewer calls about identity theft.

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Consumer Q & A on I.D. Theft Prevention
Largo Community Center, 400 Alt. Keene Road

A consumer protection investigator will be available to answer questions and provide free resources on identity theft and repair.

Tuesday (Jan. 29):

 9 – 11 a.m. Free Paper Shredding Event
On Top of the World, 2069 World Parkway E, Clearwater

For Pinellas County residents; limit six file boxes or bags per car.

9:30 – 11 a.m. Identity Theft Presentation
On Top of the World, East Activity Center

Presentation by Pinellas County Consumer Protection

Wednesday (Jan. 30): 

9- 11 a.m. Free Paper Shredding Event
St. Petersburg College, Clearwater Campus, 2465 Drew St., Clearwater

For Pinellas County residents; limit six file boxes or bags per car.

9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Identity Theft Presentation
East Library, Room LI 109       

Presentation by Pinellas County Consumer Protection

Thursday (Jan. 31): 

10 a.m. – noon Identity Theft Prevention and Repair
Sunshine Senior Center, 330 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg

A Consumer Protection investigator will be available to answer questions and provide free resources on identity theft and repair. 

8 a.m. – noon Identity Theft Prevention and Repair
Gulfport Senior Center, 550 27^th Ave. S

Consumer Protection investigator will answer questions and provide free resources on identity theft prevention and repair.

Friday (Feb. 1): 

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Identity Theft Prevention and Repair
Treasure Island Friday Morning Market, 104th Avenue and Park Place

A Consumer Protection investigator will be available to answer questions and provide free resources on identity theft and repair.

Saturday (Feb. 2): 

9 – 11 a.m. Free Paper Shredding Event
USF-St. Pete Campus, 700 Third St. S

For Pinellas County residents; limit six file boxes or bags per car.

9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Identity Theft Prevention Presentation
Lynn Pippinger Hall College of Business Auditorium, 350 – 378 Seventh Ave. S, St. Petersburg

A Consumer Protection investigator will be available to answer questions and provide free resources on identity theft and repair.

Here are proactive steps for citizens to lessen the chance of becoming a victim:

• Filing tax returns early in the tax season
• Using a secure internet connection to file electronically
• Mailing tax returns directly from the post office
• Shredding any extra copies of tax documents
• Responding to mail from the IRS as soon as possible
• Remembering that the IRS will not contact taxpayers by email, text or social media
• Only giving out Social Security numbers or Medicare numbers when absolutely necessary
• Checking credit reports at least once a year free of charge at annualcreditreport.com.

Those who believe they are victims of tax identity theft should contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at (800) 908-4490.

For information about identity theft, contact Pinellas County Consumer Protection at (727) 464-6200 or go to pinellascounty.org/consumer.

Pinellas County | Identity Theft | Cybercrime | Crime | Tax Season | Tampabay News

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