As the end of the individual income tax season draws near, the Indiana Department of Revenue’s Identity Protection Program continues to protect Hoosiers and the state from identity theft and tax refund fraud.

Since its inception in 2014, the Identity Protection Program has stopped more than $100 million in fraudulent tax refund attempts. So far this tax season, the department has received and confirmed more than 1,000 fraudulent returns and stopped more than $2 million in fraudulent tax refunds.

The amount of fraud identified and stopped by the program continues to increase as returns are processed and identities are confirmed. However, the success of the program is not only in stopping fraud but deterring it. As such, the department expects to find less fraud in future years as the program continues.

Remember, identity thieves are professional criminals and are skilled at finding ways to steal your identity. As you rush to meet the April 18 individual income tax deadline, remember to keep your personal information safe!

Visit the Indiana Department of Revenue’s Stop ID Theft website for tips on how to keep your identity safe this tax season, or contact your Somerset advisor for more information.