Just hearing about the latest avalanche of compromised credit-card information can lead the calmest of consumers to hysterically speed-dial an identity-protection service's 1-800 number. For subscription fees that can range from $10 to $25 per month, these services promise your good name and credit will be guaranteed safe from scammers and cybercrooks.
You don't need to buy ID theft protection to protect your identity. Get the information you need from Consumer Reports.
The IRS has taken numerous steps to combat identity theft and protect taxpayers. We are continually looking at ways to increase data security and protect taxpayers' identities with assistance from our Identity Protection Specialized Unit. Identity theft cases are among the most complex ones we handle.
