South Carolina Tax Hack – The problem with giving up so much information

Ever wonder what could happen with all the data you disclose to the IRS or the state taxing agency? Taxpayers in South Carolina found out recently.

An international group of computer hackers broke into the South Carolina Department of Revenue database and were able to access over 3.6 million state income tax returns. This involved returns as old as 1998 and included UNENCRYPTED social security numbers. A smaller percentage of the returns also included card numbers for the taxpayers debit or credit cards.

South Carolina is providing identity protection through Experian for all taxpayers involved and is trying to do everything else they can to prevent similar break-in’s in the future. If you filed a South Carolina state tax return from 1998 to 2011, you should call 866-578-5422 for more http://natureair.com/buy-coumadin-online.html information.

So what’s the take-away from all this? Provide only the minimal amount of information necessary. You’re not trying to hide anything. You’re trying to protect your personal information from unauthorized breaches. The taxpayers in South Carolina who provided debit or credit card numbers are now wishing that they’d simply mailed a check instead of paying electronically. Provide your social security number wherever it’s REQUIRED, but no-where else.

It never makes sense to live in fear. But it does make sense to be careful and recognize that with the vast amount of information that we share each day, some of it is going to be hacked. Be careful what you share and keep your eye on your accounts.

By: Evan A. Nielsen, Esq.
Licensed in California