The Federal Trade Commission will mark Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week, February 3-7, 2020, by co-hosting a series of free events highlighting the warning signs of tax identity theft and government imposter scams, ways consumers can protect themselves, and what to do if a consumer is a victim of tax identity theft.

Tax identity theft occurs when a person uses someone else’s Social Security number to either file a tax return and claim the victim’s refund, or to earn wages that are reported as the victim’s income. The events provide helpful tips for all consumers. Some also offer special information for active duty service members, older adults, and small businesses.

The events include:

• The FTC, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service host a webinar on January 29 at 1 p.m. ET on identity theft, tax identity theft, and government imposter scams.
• The FTC and the Identity Theft Resource Center host a webinar on February 3 at 2 p.m. ET on identity theft and tax identity theft.
• The FTC and IRS host a webinar on February 4 at 2 p.m. ET for small businesses focused on practical data security practices to protect sensitive business and customer information and imposter scams that target small businesses.
• The FTC, AARP, and the U.S. Treasury Department host telephone Town Hall meetings on February 5, at 10 a.m. ET and 1 p.m. ET, on tax identity theft and government imposter scams.
• The FTC and the Identity Theft Resource Center host a webinar on February 6 at 2 p.m. ET on government imposter scams, followed by a Twitter chat at 3 p.m. ET on tax identity theft and government imposter scams.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).