The Internal Revenue Service is requesting the public’s help in battling identity theft, it announced in an e-mailed press release Wednesday.

“Identity theft is a serious, continuing threat to all of us,” said Randy Tysinger, criminal investigator and public information officer for the the IRS’s Charlotte office, “and while we continue to what we can to combat the problem, we are asking for the assistance of the public to help us in this fight.”

On Nov. 19, IRS commissioner John A. Koskinen held a press conference to announce a new campaign called “Taxes. Security. Together.” to encourage taxpayers to protect personal and financial information online.

With increased online shopping traffic during the holidays, personal information can be especially vulnerable or at an increased risk for being stolen.

“People are online, people are getting new devices.” Koskinen said, “It’s an incredibly busy period involving huge amounts of financial and tax data being shared. People need to be aware of the steps they can take.”

On the campaign’s website the IRS lists key tips that shoppers can use to protect their information during the holidays:

• Always use security software with firewall and anti-virus protections.
• Make sure the security software is always turned on and can automatically update.
• Encrypt sensitive files such as tax records you store on your computer.
• Use strong passwords.
• Learn to recognize and avoid phishing emails, threatening calls and texts from thieves posing as legitimate organizations such as your bank, credit card company and even the IRS.
• Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown or suspicious emails.
• Protect your personal data. Don’t routinely carry your Social Security card, and make sure your tax records are secure. Treat your personal information like you do your cash; don’t leave it lying around.

Over the next few months the IRS also plans to deliver these recommendations over a series of weekly tax tips, updated publications for taxpayers and professionals, YouTube videos and other online resources.

“It’s clear that when it comes to identity theft, we all have a part to play.” Koskinen remarked, “With the public’s help, this will greatly strengthen and improve the new tools being put in place by IRS, states and industry. This will help us continue to make progress against this threat.”