It’s February, and the 2016 tax filing season is now upon us. Unfortunately, identity theft in the tax arena is becoming more commonplace with today’s high-tech environment.

What exactly is tax-related identify theft?

It involves someone using a stolen Social Security number to file a tax return and claiming a fraudulent refund. But how do you know if someone has obtained and is using your Social Security number in a tax-related identify theft? Here are some warning signs:

The IRS or your tax professional notifies you that more than one tax return has been filed for you based on your Social Security number

The IRS or your tax professional indicates that you owe additional tax, have a refund offset, or have had collection actions taken against you for a year you did not file a tax return

The IRS notifies you that you received more wages than you have indicated on your return and the wages are from an unknown employer.

Your state or federal benefits are reduced or canceled because the paying agency received information reporting an income change.

Be proactive in protecting yourself.

Don’t carry your Social Security card or any documents that include your Social Security number.

Don’t give a business your Social Security number simply because they ask — make sure that information is required. Check your credit report at least once per year or more frequently if you suspect your financial information is or could be used fraudulently.

Keep your personal financial information secure at all times and places (home, office, electronic devices, etc.).

Don’t give your personal information to anyone on the phone, through postal mail, or on the Internet unless you have initiated the contact and are sure you are dealing with the appropriate person or business.

It’s also important to note that the IRS communicates to taxpayers in writing through formal notices mailed to the address associated with a particular Social Security number. The IRS does not call or e-mail taxpayers. If you receive a phone call, e-mail, or other electronic message from someone claiming to be from the IRS, it is fraudulent. This is another means to gain unauthorized information or access to it. Do not respond to the caller, e-mail, or electronic message, but be sure to report the attempt. If the message is electronic, forward it to phishing@irs.gov.

What should you do if you suspect your personal information has been used fraudulently? Takes these steps as quickly as possible:

File a report with your local police department

File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.ftc.gov or call the FTC Identity Theft hot line at 877-438-4338, TTY: 866-653-4261.

Contact one or all three of the major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your account: Equifax: www.Equifax.com, 800-525-6285; Experian: www.Experian.com, 888-397-3742; TransUnion: www.transunion.com, 800-680-7289

Close any accounts you know have been tampered with, accessed, or opened fraudulently.

I realize this may seem like a lot of effort for a situation you didn’t create. But with this being the eve of football’s biggest game of the season, it is only appropriate to leave you with this quote from Vince Lombardi. “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, nor a lack of knowledge, but rather is a lack of will.” If tax-related fraud happens to you, it can have a major impact on your financial life. Always protect yourself.

Wendy Bennett is a senior financial adviser in Butler.