Identity theft and Dark Patterns by Hannah

tax identity theft

hgjustis — 2025-03-04 13:21:11 UTC

This is where someone will use another person's personal information to receive tax benefits or returns. Many taxpayers wait until April to file, So if a scammer has personal information about you they can take advantage of this delay and file in your name. Then the scammer can receive their refunds in the mail.

hgjustis — 2025-03-04 13:21:36 UTC

This article goes over what identity theft is. While also making a point on how to avoid tax fraud.

Protect personal information
Use protection apps like TurboTax etc to secure your account
contact the IRS for assistance

Real world situations

hgjustis — 2025-03-04 13:30:31 UTC

2 Orlando sisters were charged with 8 years in prison. They operated a tax scam and ended up with 25 million dollars in this illegal operation. They filed over 16,000 false tax returns.

Forced continuity

hgjustis — 2025-03-04 13:37:37 UTC

This is where an app may let you sign up to use a free trial and if you accept at the end of the free trial you will automatically be charged. This surprised users because they only signed up for a free trial, not for a continued month.

hgjustis — 2025-03-04 13:38:09 UTC

This video shows and explains the Dark Pattern a little more. It shows how the apps know they are tricking you by requiring your payment information to make sure their scam will be successful. To avoid this from happening you should always

Read all the fine print before payments
set reminders for when the trial will end
always be cautious before giving payment information

hgjustis — 2025-03-04 13:43:10 UTC

The video shows a real app example of how this could happen while many other apps do this too. Audible the online reading app has had many customers come forward and admit to this scam.

hgjustis — 2025-03-04 13:44:53 UTC

What are two actions you can take to protect yourself from identity theft and online scams?

So like I have stated before I think the most important action you can take is just being cautious and being aware of these scams. If you are aware these scams are happening there are better odds of you not falling for them. Another way to protect yourself is just going to extra measures to remain safe, always read the fine print, always protect your information, and just be safe.

What challenges might you face when trying to implement these protective steps?

You will definitely face challenges trying to protect your identity, but always be cautious about who you give information to.

Why do you think teenagers are unaware of identity theft, scams, and dark patterns?

I think teenagers are unaware of these things because no one is really educating them, maybe because they don't think it's something they need to know. While this is incorrect I think everyone should be aware of these.