Identity theft protection, victim assistance

    HOULTON, Maine — Cary Library will host a free workshop on Identity Theft Prevention and Victim Assistance tonight from 5:30-7 p.m., with Shawn Savage, senior stakeholder liaison with the Communications and Stakeholder Outreach Division within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). He leads IRS’ efforts to provide the small business community with the latest tax information and resources the IRS has to offer.
    The IRS has taken numerous steps to combat identity theft and protect taxpayers. They are continually looking at ways to increase data security and protect taxpayers’ identities, knowing that identity theft is a frustrating process for victims. The IRS take this issue very seriously and continue to expand on our robust screening process in order to stop fraudulent returns and protect innocent taxpayers.
Topic discussion includes how identity theft is a threat to the American taxpayer; what the IRS is doing to address tax-related identity theft; identity theft detection and prevention; victim protection and assistance; identity protection Personal Identification Number, or IP PIN initiative;  combating online fraud and how to protect yourself from identity theft.