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The Internal Revenue Service has issued a warning for American Citizens about identity theft and how to protect your identity from this type of fraud. This information can also be accessed via the internet at http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_4362.html

How can someone steal your identity?  Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, social security number, or other identifying information, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.

-- Identity theft is a serious crime.  People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years and their hard-earned money - cleaning up the mess thieves have made of their good name and credit record.  In the meantime, victims may lose job opportunities, have loans refused, or even get arrested for crimes they didn't commit.

-- Generally, identity thieves use someone's personal data to steal his or her financial accounts and run up charges on the victim's existing credit cards, but the IRS has identified other potential areas where this type of fraud may occur as they relate directly to your tax records.

-- Undocumented workers or other individuals may use your social security number to get a job.  That person's employer would report W-2 wages earned using your information to the IRS so it might appear that you did not report all of your income on your return.

-- An identity thief may file a tax return using your social security number to receive a refund or stimulus payment.

-- If the thief already filed a return using your social security number, the IRS will believe that you already filed and received your refund, and the return you just submitted is a second copy or duplicate.

-- If you do receive a notice from the IRS that leads you to believe someone may have used your social security number fraudulently, please notify the IRS immediately by responding to the name and number printed on the notice or letter.

3.  Be alert to possible identity theft if the notice or letter states that:

-- more than one tax return for you was filed, or IRS records indicate you received wages from an employer unknown to you.

-- If you receive a notice, contact the IRS either by phone or in writing as directed in that notice.  IRS tax examiners will work with you and other agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, to help resolve the problem.

4.  The IRS does not initiate taxpayer communications through e-mail.

-- The IRS does not request detailed personal information through e-mail.

-- The IRS does not send e-mails requesting your PIN numbers, passwords or similar access information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts.

5.  If you receive an e-mail from someone claiming to be the IRS or directing you to an IRS site,

-- Do not reply.

-- Do not open any attachments.  Attachments may contain malicious code that will infect your computer.

-- Do not click on any links

6.  Phishing is the act of sending an e-mail to a user falsely claiming to be an established, legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft.

7.  If you receive an e-mail or find a website you think is pretending to be the IRS:

-- Forward the e-mail or website URL to the IRS at [email protected].

-- You can forward the message as received or provide the internet header in the e-mail.  The internet header has additional information to help the IRS locate the sender.

-- After you forward the e-mail or header information to the IRS, delete the message.

8.  Minimizing Identity Theft:

Though you can't prevent identity theft entirely, you can minimize your risk. Protect your social security number.

-- Don't carry your social security number (SSN); leave it in a secure place.

-- Only give your SSN when absolutely necessary.

-- Your employer and financial institution may need your SSN for wage and tax reporting purposes.  Don't give a business your SSN just because they ask for it.  Find out why before giving it out.

-- Ask why your SSN is needed and if other types of identifiers can be used.

9.  For more information on identity theft and your tax records, please visit www.irs.gov, and use the words
"Identity Theft" in the search block
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found.  Up to date security information can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00am to 8:00pm EST, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). 
American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department’s travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov.
For any emergencies involving American citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy. The Consular Section Embassy is located at the corner of Cesar Nicolas Penson Street and Máximo Gómez Avenue, Santo Domingo, D.R.; telephone 809-731-4294; after hours emergency telephone 809-221-2171; ACS unit fax 809-689-6142; e-mail [email protected]; web page www.usemb.gov.do.

This warden message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens residing and traveling in the Dominican Republic that the National Hurricane Center (NHC) www.nhc.noaa.gov is reporting that an advisory remains in effect for Hurricane Ike. 

The National Hurricane Center reports that Ike is a dangerous category three hurricane. While the storm’s current trajectory keeps the eye of the hurricane to the north of the Dominican Republic, hurricane force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 KM) from the center and tropical storm winds extend outward up to 105 miles (165 KM). U.S. citizens are advised to exercise caution regarding storm surge, high winds, and heavy rainfall and to continue monitoring local weather forecasts for further information.

The Dominican National Office of Meteorology (ONAMET) has issued an advisory warning of life-threatening mudslides and flash flooding due to already rain-soaked terrain and the massive amounts of rainfall expected. Persons living near rivers, canyons, and ravines should take extra precautions.  ONAMET advises people located in the north and northeast areas of the Dominican Republic to exercise caution and pay attention to official bulletins regarding Hurricane Ike. It has also advised small and medium sized ships to remain in port.

The Embassy's regional security office has asked that U.S. Citizens residing in hotels or apartments along or near the waterfront and anyone living in a low-lying or flood prone area take additional precautions.  Past hurricanes have produced storm surges in excess of four feet above the waterfront.  Also, upper floors in high-rise buildings are at increased risk of windows being blown out, due to the fact that wind speed increases with height.  Further suggestions include identifying a backup location where you might seek shelter in the event that your current residence becomes unsafe and identifying an alternative route to that backup location.  Also, be sure to visit http://travel.state.gov for further tips on hurricane preparedness.

Travel within the Dominican Republic and throughout the Caribbean may be difficult for the next several days.  Extreme caution should be taken when driving through areas of high water. There is also the possibility of road and bridge closures due to rising water and bridge washouts. Currently, all airports are open and operating normally, but flight and ferry operations could be affected depending on the track of the storm. U.S. citizens should confirm scheduled departures with ferry and airline offices.

The Department of State has also issued a Travel Warning for The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands due to the threat posed by Tropical Storm Hanna and Hurricane Ike: http://intranet.ca.state.gov/ALDACS/8158210.html  This Travel Warning was issued to urge U.S. citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands, which are expected to take the brunt of Tropical Storm Hanna and Hurricane Ike.

U.S. citizens should monitor local radio, the National Weather Service at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov, and local media to stay aware of any weather developments in their area. For official information from the Dominican Government regarding weather conditions, please visit the ONAMET website at http://www.onamet.gov.do. The Dominican Emergency Operations Center (COE) website can be found at www.coe.gov.do   Minor tropical storms can develop into hurricanes very quickly, limiting the time available for a safe evacuation. Travelers should apprise family and friends in the United States of their whereabouts, and keep in close contact with their tour operator, hotel staff, and local officials for evacuation instructions in the event of a weather emergency. Travelers should also protect their travel and identity documents against loss or damage, as the need to replace lost documentation could hamper or delay return to the United States.

U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the Department of State’s travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov. By registering, American citizens can receive the Embassy’s most recent security and safety updates during their trip. Registration also ensures that U.S. citizens can be reached should an emergency arise either abroad or at home. While Consular Officers will do their utmost to assist Americans in a crisis, travelers should always be aware that local authorities bear primary responsibility for the welfare of people living or traveling in their jurisdictions.

For emergencies involving American citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy. The Consular Section of the Embassy is located at the corner of Cesar Nicolas Penson Street and Máximo Gómez Avenue, Santo Domingo, D.R.; telephone 809-731-4294; after hours emergency telephone 809-221-2171; ACS unit fax 809-689-6142; e-mail [email protected]; website www.usemb.gov.do.

Additional information on hurricanes and storm preparedness may be found on the Hurricane Season 2008 page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/hurricane_season/hurricane_season_3795.html or in the “Hurricane Season-Know Before You Go” pamphlet at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/hurricane_season/hurricane_season_2915.html. Updated information on travel in hurricane-prone regions may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada, or from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. Travelers to the region are encouraged to check the Internet site of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with consular responsibilities for the territory they will be visiting (accessible via http://usembassy.state.gov/). For further information please consult the Country Specific Information Sheet for the country or territory in question, available via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov.

This warden message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens residing and traveling in the Dominican Republic that the National Hurricane Center (NHC) www.nhc.noaa.gov is reporting that a Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for the northern coast of the Dominican Republic from Puerto Plata westward to Bahia De Manzanillo. A Tropical Storm Warning is also in effect for Haiti from the northern border with the Dominican Republic to Port-Au-Prince. A Tropical Storm Warning means that Tropical Storm conditions are expected within the warning area that could extend outward up to 230 miles within the next 24 hours. Tropical Storm Hanna could regain hurricane intensity by Thursday as it moves away from the Dominican Republic to the northwest. NOAA reports that totals of 6 to 10 inches of rainfall with isolated maximum amounts of up to 15 inches are possible over Hispaniola with Tropical Storm Hanna.

The Dominican National Office of Meteorology (ONAMET) has issued an advisory warning of life-threatening mudslides and flash flooding due to already rain-soaked terrain and the massive amounts of rainfall expected. Persons living near rivers, canyons, and ravines should take extra precautions. ONAMET has also received reports of wind gusts of up to 45 mph near Santo Domingo’s Las Americas airport in Punta Caucedo and in Punta Cana and Constanza.

Travel within the Dominican Republic and throughout the Caribbean will be difficult for the next several days. The Embassy’s Regional Security Office has reported street flooding in several areas of Santo Domingo. Flooding can also be expected throughout other affected parts of the country. Extreme caution should be taken when driving through areas of high water. There is also the possibility of road and bridge closures due to rising water and bridge washouts. Currently, all airports are open and operating normally within the Dominican Republic although there have been reports of flight delays and flight diversions to Puerto Rico. 

The Department of State has also issued a Travel Warning for The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands due to the threat posed by Tropical Storm Hanna and Tropical Storm Ike: http://intranet.ca.state.gov/ALDACS/8158210.html  This Travel Warning was issued to urge U.S. citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands, which are expected to take the brunt of Tropical Storm Hanna and Tropical Storm Ike.

U.S. citizens should monitor local radio, the National Weather Service at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov, and local media to stay aware of any weather developments in their area. For official information from the Dominican Government regarding weather conditions, please visit the ONAMET website at http://www.onamet.gov.do. The Dominican Emergency Operations Center (COE) website can be found at www.coe.gov.do   Minor tropical storms can develop into hurricanes very quickly, limiting the time available for a safe evacuation. Travelers should apprise family and friends in the United States of their whereabouts, and keep in close contact with their tour operator, hotel staff, and local officials for evacuation instructions in the event of a weather emergency. Travelers should also protect their travel and identity documents against loss or damage, as the need to replace lost documentation could hamper or delay return to the United States.

U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the Department of State’s travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov. By registering, American citizens can receive the Embassy’s most recent security and safety updates during their trip. Registration also ensures that U.S. citizens can be reached should an emergency arise either abroad or at home. While Consular Officers will do their utmost to assist Americans in a crisis, travelers should always be aware that local authorities bear primary responsibility for the welfare of people living or traveling in their jurisdictions.

For emergencies involving American citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy. The Consular Section of the Embassy is located at the corner of Cesar Nicolas Penson Street and Máximo Gómez Avenue, Santo Domingo, D.R.; telephone 809-731-4294; after hours emergency telephone 809-221-2171; ACS unit fax 809-689-6142; e-mail [email protected]; website www.usemb.gov.do.

Additional information on hurricanes and storm preparedness may be found on the Hurricane Season 2008 page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/hurricane_season/hurricane_season_3795.html or in the “Hurricane Season-Know Before You Go” pamphlet at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/hurricane_season/hurricane_season_2915.html. Updated information on travel in hurricane-prone regions may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada, or from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. Travelers to the region are encouraged to check the Internet site of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with consular responsibilities for the territory they will be visiting (accessible via http://usembassy.state.gov/). For further information please consult the Country Specific Information Sheet for the country or territory in question, available via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov.

[Hurricane Warning]

This warden message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens residing and traveling in the Dominican Republic that the National Hurricane Center (NHC) www.nhc.noaa.gov is reporting that the government of the Dominican Republic has upgraded the Tropical Storm Warning to a Hurricane Warning for the southern coast of the Dominican Republic from Santo Domingo to the Haitian border.

All American citizens currently in the Dominican Republic, but especially those living along coastal areas along the southern Dominican Republic, should be aware of the presence of Tropical Storm Gustav and its possible impact on the Dominican Republic. American citizens are advised to monitor local media for current weather updates and to expect further messages from the Embassy should they become necessary.

Additional information on hurricanes and storm preparedness may be found in the “Hurricane Season-Know Before You Go” pamphlet at: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/hurricane_season/hurricane_season_2915.html, and on the “Natural Disasters” page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1207.html.  Updated information on travel in the Dominican Republic may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada, or from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the State Department’s internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. 

American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department’s travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov.

For any emergencies involving American citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy. The Consular Section Embassy is located at the corner of Cesar Nicolas Penson Street and Máximo Gómez Avenue, Santo Domingo, D.R.; telephone 809-731-4294; after hours emergency telephone 809-221-2171; ACS unit fax 809-689-6142; e-mail [email protected]; web page www.usemb.gov.do.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found.  Up to date security information can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00am to 8:00pm EST, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department’s travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov.

 For any emergencies involving American citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy. The Consular Section Embassy is located at the corner of Cesar Nicolas Penson Street and Máximo Gómez Avenue, Santo Domingo, D.R.; telephone 809-731-4294; after hours emergency telephone 809-221-2171; ACS unit fax 809-689-6142; e-mail [email protected]; web page www.usemb.gov.do.

For those of you who are interested in venturing in the town of Jarabacoa, try renting a very nice 3 bedroom 2 baths Villa.  Cleaning service is included and you have the option for a cook as well.

Located on a private property, 24 hour security, views to the Mountains,  Walking distance to two rivers, close to all outdoor activities such as water-rafting, canyoning, bike riding, horse back riding and much more…

For more information, please email me at [email protected].

I will be there in two weeks and would be interested in helping.  What is your email address and do you have volunteer needs for just a few days?
Jim

Greetings one and all!  The aptos gringos would like to invite you and your friends to a barbeque on our apartment rooftop this Sunday starting at 6:30 p.m.  We live in Venecia on Calle Pi

i  just came across this website and I wanted to say hello.  Native Dominican, NewYork born and I wanted to know whats it like to live there and how can an American live there comfortabley

Hello to all...as the US embassy's warden in the Jarabacoa area, I'm passing this message along to you.  I'm also trying to get together a list of American expatriates in the Jarabacoa area, especially those who would like to receive these warden updates from time to time or would like to be "checked on" in the case of a hurricane, civil unrest, meteor strike, or other emergency.  So if that's you, and you don't already know me, please contact me via email at [email protected].  Also if you "hear" of anything that affects American interests--passport fraud, illegal drug trafficking, trafficking of women and children, Americans traveling overseas that engage in sex with minors, etc.--please let me know and I will pass it along (or contact the embassy directly).  If your house is broken into, you are assaulted, involved in a traffic accident where someone was injured, etc., you can also let me know so that I can keep our embassy informed (there is also emergency embassy contact information below).

Regards,
Glenn

------------------Forwarded Message---------------
There has been a recent rash of thefts of credit and debit card numbers from members of the U.S. Embassy and expatriate community in the Dominican Republic.  Based on an initial assessment of the information provided, NO singular location of card usage has been identified.  This investigation has been turned over to the U.S. Secret Service (USSS).  The Embassy will continue to support the USSS with this investigation and will provide additional information as soon as it is available.

American citizens in the Dominican Republic may wish to refrain from using credit and debit cards to make purchases or to withdraw cash from ATMs here until more information regarding the source of the problem is known.  Americans who use a credit card or debit card in the Dominican Republic may prefer to use one with a low maximum credit line.  It is advisable to monitor your accounts for fraudulent charges at least every other day.

If you have used a credit or debit card to make a purchase or have withdrawn cash from an ATM in the Dominican Republic within the last two months, the Embassy suggests that you monitor your accounts closely for fraud.  Report unauthorized charges to your credit card company or bank immediately and DO NOT file complaints with vendors.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found.  Up to date security information can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00am to 8:00pm EST, Monday through
Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration
website at https://travelregistration.state.gov.

For any emergencies involving American citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy. The Consular Section Embassy is located at the corner of Cesar Nicolas Penson Street and Máximo Gómez Avenue, Santo Domingo, D.R.; telephone 809-731-4294; after hours emergency telephone 809-221-2171; ACS unit fax 809-689-6142; e-mail [email protected]; web page www.usemb.gov.do.

American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit
Consular Section
U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo
Tel.: (809) 731-4294
Fax: (809) 689-6142
E-mail: [email protected]
This Email is UNCLASSIFIED based on the definitions provided in E.O. 12958.

We will be renting the same house in July, I would appreciate any information that will help our stay be awesome while in Jarabacoa.

Thanks,
Grace

We will be traveling to Jarabacoa in July from the US.  Can you send me more information about your center and the needs.