Do you know how to protect yourself from Tax Return Identity Theft?

"Protect Yourself from Tax Return Identity Theft."

Some forms of identity theft are relatively easy to deal with, such as stolen credit card numbers. But it’s a nightmare to unravel tax refund theft if an imposter grabs your Social Security number and files a return in your name.

Hundreds of thousands of Americans become victims of tax-related identity theft each year, “typically through no fault of their own,” according to the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) at the IRS. TAS called it one of the “most serious problems” faced by taxpayers in 2023 and 2024. In fact, the IRS saw more than a...
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Is the Post-Holiday Return Surge for Real?

"Retailers Say They’re Drowning Under Post-Holiday Return Surge." 

The surge in online shopping and practices like “bracketing”— ordering multiple sizes or variations with the intent to return unwanted items — has significantly increased return volumes, posing logistical and financial challenges for retailers, according to Hannah Bravo, CEO at Loop Returns.

In fact, new data shows a 28% hike in returns over last year and consumers have already returned $122 billion in merchandise.

In an interview with PYMNTS, Bravo said to maintain customer satisfaction while controlling costs, businesses are turning to digital tools and strategic policies to manage returns more efficiently.

“Holiday returns hit new...
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Are some Stores Return Policies justified?

"2024 Return Policy Survey: SOME RETAILERS TIGHTEN RETURNS."

Some mainstream retail chains tweaked their return policies this year by shortening the return window for regular or holiday purchases or by adding other restrictions according to Consumer World's 21st annual return policy survey. Target, Kohl's, Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and Macy's were among the stores making some changes.

Though some are shorter this year, most stores continue to offer extended holiday return periods whereby gifts purchased as early as October first, such as in Walmart's case, can be returned until mid- to late-January, considerably beyond the normal deadline. What hasn't changed is the...
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