ID theft concerns over Oklahoma's state tax booklets

Something inside this year's tax booklet is raising red flags about potential identity theft. <br><br>One Tulsa woman says you could be leaving yourself open to identity theft and not even know it.

Thursday, February 19th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Something inside this year's tax booklet is raising red flags about potential identity theft.

One Tulsa woman says you could be leaving yourself open to identity theft and not even know it. News on 6 anchor Scott Thompson says if you file your taxes through the mail, you've probably already received your tax booklet for this year. One Tulsa woman was surprised to find the tools a thief could use to steal her identity right inside.

Christy Means-Smith says she tries to take precautions to protect herself against identity theft. And she never thought something as routine as filing her taxes could put her at risk. Smith says she was shocked to find her social security number and her husband's printed inside the tax booklet. There were boxes to write in the number, but it was still printed right next to the names and addresses.

She says having that kind of information in an open booklet can open you up to identity theft and a world of trouble. "I think it was probably put there for the convenience but I'd rather take the five seconds and fill it out then have it, out there."