00:00Hey everyone, I'm Joanne Butler with some simple tips to keep you safe this spring starting
00:09with tax season.
00:10You know it's in full swing and scammers are working overtime right now to steal personal
00:15information and your refunds at every stage of the tax filing process.
00:20Even attempting to file fraudulent returns in your name is super scary.
00:24In fact, 81% of people have reported falling victim to a tax scam according to the latest
00:29LifeLock study, so you really need to be careful, especially with all the AI this year.
00:35So I've partnered with LifeLock to share some easy tips to help you stay safe.
00:39First, know that the IRS will never reach out to you via email, text, or social media
00:45to request personal or financial info.
00:47So if you see anything from the IRS through these methods, it's likely a scam.
00:51Next, be careful with tax prep services and make sure your tax preparer has a valid prepare
00:56tax ID number and is actually authorized to file returns.
01:00A service like LifeLock is great because it helps monitor and protect against identity
01:05theft.
01:06Norton 360 with LifeLock, great, an all-in-one protection for your devices, so online privacy
01:11and identity.
01:12Plus, Norton Genie scam protection that uses AI to detect and fight against scams.
01:17All of it will alert you and help flag suspicious texts and emails and websites you browse,
01:22blocks fraudulent calls, just lots of layers of protection to help you avoid becoming the
01:27next scam victim.
01:29Next, spring clean all of your passwords, update them, enable multi-factor authentication
01:36on your accounts and devices, and double check your credit reports for signs of ID theft.
01:41The key is to stay ahead of scammers before they get you.
01:46It doesn't need to be complicated, just get it done in one fell swoop.
01:50Get LifeLock.com or Norton.com, two great websites that have a ton of great advice and
01:56more ways to stay protected.
01:59This time of year is also when you want to make sure everything in your home is up to
02:02snuff too.
02:03Checking fire alarms, smoke detectors.
02:06You also want to make sure your power is protected during unexpected outages.
02:09I can't tell you how many times I've been caught.
02:12So again, you want to be protected before it gets you.
02:15I'm loving this kit from Jackery.
02:17It's their 5,000 plus essential home backup kit.
02:21Comes with two 500 watt high-powered solar panels along with a smart transfer switch
02:26that just seamlessly integrates into your home's electrical system, letting you generate
02:31your own clean power.
02:33And unlike traditional gas generators, it's quiet and indoor safe.
02:38And you know, whole home systems that require hefty installation, this kit will cover your
02:42most needed essentials for half the cost, even during extended outages.
02:47So the fridge, the lights, your internet, your computer, just all of it.
02:51This is just simple but very powerful, super smart investment to keep you powered, connected
02:57and safe.
02:58And that's what it's all about.
02:59For more info on this, visit Jackery.com.
03:03Now last but not least, check the outside of your home too.
03:06You know, check your roof, give it a once over.
03:09Check the gutters, check the screen.
03:11Sometimes during the winter months, the screens get loosed and you'll be outside hanging out
03:14and a screen will fall.
03:15So you don't want that to happen.
03:16So just give your home a good once over and you'll be good to go.
03:21Happy safe spring.
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