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Identity Theft

Did You Receive a 1099-G for Unemployment Benefits You Did Not File For?

Taxpayers who receive an incorrect Form 1099-G for unemployment benefits they did not receive should contact the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment (CDLE)to request a revised Form 1099-G showing they did not receive these benefits. To report that you have received an incorrect/invalid 1099-G to CDLE, complete the Report Invalid 1099-G Form. In cases of identity theft, a corrected Form 1099-G showing zero unemployment benefits will help taxpayers avoid being sent an unexpected tax bill for unreported income. For more information, visit the CDLE website. Taxpayers should still file an accurate tax return, reporting only the income they received.

Report Suspected Identity Theft

What to do If You Suspect Identity Theft  

First, report the suspected identity theft to local law enforcement and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI is available 24 hours per day via their Identity Theft & Fraud Hotline at (855) 443-3489.

After filing a report with law enforcement, you may also wish to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by visiting the FTC website or calling (877) 438-4338.

Identity Theft & Your Tax Return

If you believe your tax identification number has been stolen and someone has filed a Colorado tax return under your Social Security Number (SSN), please fill out the Report Possible Tax Refund Fraud Form. You may also call the Taxpayer Helpline at (303) 205-8262 for additional assistance from the Colorado Department of Revenue.

If you receive a notice from the IRS that leads you to believe someone may have used your SSN fraudulently, please notify the IRS immediately by contacting your local IRS office or by utilizing the IRS Identity Verification Service. If you suspect your tax identification number has been stolen but you have not received a notice from the IRS, fill out the IRS Form 14039: Identity Theft Affidavit and send it to the address listed on the form. If you need additional assistance from the IRS, you may call (800) 908-4490.

If you suspect your tax identification number has been stolen, you may also wish to report it to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Colorado Department of Labor &, Employment (CDLE).

  • SSA Phone: (800) 772-1213
  • CDLE Phone: (303) 318-8441

Protect Yourself & Your Family Against Identity Theft

Take active steps to protect your personal and financial data online and at home. Use security software to protect computers. This includes a firewall and anti-virus protection. If tax returns or sensitive data are stored on the computers, encrypt the files. Use strong passwords.

Beware of phishing emails and phone scams. A common way for identity thieves to steal names and Social Security numbers, passwords, credit card numbers or bank account information is to simply ask for it. Clever criminals pose as trusted organizations that you recognize and send spam emails, calls or texts. Their email may ask you to update a bank account or tax software account and provide a link to a fake web site that is designed solely to steal your login information. They may call posing as the IRS, threatening you with jail or lawsuits unless you make an immediate payment. They may provide an attachment which, if you download, will infect your machine and enable the thief to access sensitive files or track your key strokes.

Protect personal information. Do not routinely carry your Social Security number. Properly dispose of old tax returns and other sensitive documents by shredding before trashing. Check your credit reports and Social Security Administration accounts at least annually to ensure no one is using your good credit or using your SSN for employment. Over-sharing on social media also gives identity thieves even more personal details.