12-7-2018

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — It’s the most wonderful time of the year for identity thieves.

The IRS has provided a list of warnings for online holiday shoppers to protect their personal information and financial data from cybercriminals.

Tips include avoiding unprotected Wi-Fi, shop at familiar online stores, staying vigilant for phishing emails, getting security software to protect your devices, using strong passwords, and using multi-factor authentication to protect sensitive data.

Thieves can drain financial accounts, charge or create new credit cards, and even file fraudulent tax returns with your identity.