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Identity Theft Victim Assistance

Safeguarding your information is a top priority for the Department of Revenue. The department uses a variety of tools to protect taxpayers and prevent others from trying to file false tax returns with personal information stolen from identity theft victims. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your name, Social Security number and/or other identifying personal information without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.

Warning Signs of Identity Theft

If you experience one or more of the following indicators, identity theft may have occurred:

  • Errors on your bank statement, credit card, or other account statement
  • An unexpected drop or increase in your credit score
  • Your regular bills or account statements do not arrive on time or at all
  • You received a notice and you haven't filed a tax return yet or it's from another state in which you do not file
  • You have received a refund check when you have not filed a return yet
  • You receive a W-2 that you did not request or from an employer unknown to you

For more information on warning signs and preventing identity theft, visit PA Cybersecurity.

Reporting Identity Theft

It is extremely important to report identity theft as soon as you are aware of it. The Department of Revenue has a Bureau of Fraud Detection and Analysis to assist taxpayers who may be victims of identity theft.

If you believe you may be a victim or discover a fraudulent PA tax income tax return or Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim was filed using your identity, report the activity directly to the department’s Bureau of Fraud Detection and Analysis. Include as much detail as possible by emailing RA-RVPADORFRAUD@pa.gov, calling 717-772-9297 or by writing to this address:

PA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
BUREAU OF FRAUD DETECTION AND ANALYSIS
PO BOX 280607
HARRISBURG PA 17128-0607

Here are some additional tips if you are a victim of identity theft:

  • File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.identitytheft.gov or by calling 1-877-438-4338.
  • File a report with the local police.
  • Report the incident to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection by calling 1-800-441-2555.
  • File an Identity Theft Affidavit (Form 14039) with the Internal Revenue Service.
  • Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus:
  • Equifax: www.equifax.com, 1-800-525-6285
    Experian: www.experian.com, 1-888-397-3742
    TransUnion: www.transunion.com, 1-800-680-7289
  • Close any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. 

Cybersecurity for You and Your Family

How can you protect yourself from identity theft? Check out the tips offered at PA Cybersecurity.

Be sure to always store and properly dispose of documents and files that have sensitive personal information and ask questions before sharing your personal information.

Cyber security is important for your children and parents as well. PA Cybersecurity has special tips to help protect those in your life that are the most vulnerable.