Gates Mills Police Department   
Proud to Serve…Sworn to Protect

From Your Police Department:

With the tax season upon us, please be conscious of Tax identity theft during this time and do not become a victim.

Tax identity theft is one of the fastest growing forms of identity theft in the U.S.  Tax identity theft occurs when someone uses your Social Security Number (SSN) to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. Below are some helpful tips for avoiding tax identity theft:       

        -File your tax return early in the season.
        -Use a secure internet connection if you file electronically, or mail your tax
         return directly from the post office.
        -Protect your personal financial information at home and on your computer.
        -Shred copies of your tax return, drafts, or calculation sheets you no longer need.
        -Know the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) won’t contact you by email, text or
         social media. If the IRS needs information, it will contact you by mail.
        -Check your Social Security Administration earnings statements annually.
        -Only provide your SSN when YOU initiate the contact or you are sure who you
         know is asking.
        -Research a tax preparer thoroughly before you hand over personal information.
        -If your SSN has been compromised, contact the IRS Identity Theft Protection
         Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490.
        -Check your credit report annually.

• A reminder to please lock all doors as we have had several reports of suspicious footprints around residences. Please report any suspicious activity to the police department.

Until next month – Proud to Serve…Sworn to Protect

Yours in Service,

Gregg Minichello
Chief of Police
(440) 423-4405 ext. 112
gminichello@gatesmillsvillage.com