2009 media releases
Keep IRD numbers confidential
6 March 2009
Inland Revenue is urging people to be careful about giving out their IRD number and other personal details.
As part of Fraud Awareness Week (2-9 March), Inland Revenue is reminding customers to keep their personal information safe, including IRD numbers.
Inland Revenue Group Manager Assistance, Charles Ronaldson, said only a limited number of agencies or people should have access to IRD numbers.
"Like many other organisations, we're very conscious of attempts to steal people's personal information and use it for fraudulent purposes."
"Identity theft is a growing problem here and overseas and we want to ensure people do everything they can to protect themselves."
"You should only provide your IRD number to Inland Revenue, employers, your bank or financial institution, your KiwiSaver scheme provider, Work and Income, StudyLink or your tax agent", said Mr Ronaldson.
"If other groups ask for your IRD number, ask them why they need it. If you are not sure that you should give them your number, call us for advice."
Mr Ronaldson says customers should also be aware that Inland Revenue does not send staff door-to-door asking for personal information and details.
"If someone from Inland Revenue does visit your home, they will have identification."
If anyone remains unsure about whether someone is from Inland Revenue, Mr Ronaldson said they should ask for the person's name and phone number and call Inland Revenue on its general 0800 number (0800 227774) to check.
For further information:
Catherine Delore
(04) 890 1743
(029) 890 1743
catherine.delore@ird.govt.nz
Other media releases this year
- Structured finance cases settled
- Inland Revenue warns of party plan pitfalls
- Tax fraudster breached worker trust
- High wealth individuals pay an extra $81 million
- Residential rental property and depreciable items
- Lower Hutt man sentenced for tax evasion
- Two jailed for multi-million dollar tax fraud
- High Court ruling on Westpac case
- Christchurch man jailed for GST fraud
- Tsunami donations tax credits
- Former Queenstown man jailed on tax evasion charges
- Jail for $5 million tax fraud
- Tiler jailed for $1.6 million tax evasion
- Online service makes tax refunds easier
- Inland Revenue welcomes High Court decision
- Auckland property consultant jailed for tax fraud
- Te Kuiti accountant jailed for 12 months for tax evasion
- Property developer sentenced for GST fraud
- Wellington man sentenced for tax fraud
- Man jailed for GST fraud
- Helping you get it right
- Last day for tax returns fast approaching
- Auckland man sentenced on GST fraud charges
- GST fraudster convicted again
- New Plymouth woman jailed for fraud
- Christchurch man sentenced on tax offences
- Extradited tax fraudster sentenced to home detention
- Jail for multimillion dollar tax fraud
- Thousands of people eligible for unclaimed millions
- Inland Revenue appeals High Court decision
- Inland Revenue considers voluntary redundancies
- Talk to us, says Commissioner of Inland Revenue
- Apply now for the provisional tax ratio option
- Wellington accountant sentenced on tax fraud charges
- Avoid unexpected GST bills on apartment sales
- Nelson man jailed for tax evasion
- Stay informed about KiwiSaver changes
- Tax payment date fast approaching
- Former tax agent employee sentenced for fraud
Corporate Affairs
Inland Revenue
To make a media query:
Phone 04 890 1698 or email mediaqueries@ird.govt.nz
Please note, the email address is only for enquiries from the news media. It is monitored during normal business hours 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday.
P O Box 2198
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
Date published: 09 Mar 2009
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