March Cybersecurity Awareness Tip: Protect your identity during tax season

Did you know that tax-related identity theft has increased by 45% since 2020?

This tax season, be alert to unsolicited emails, phone calls, or text messages claiming to be from the IRS. Cybercriminals are seeking personal information to use against you.

Beware of current scams that appear to be from the government. One example is a bogus IRS official claiming that you owe back taxes. A newer example is a fake Biden administration program that claims to provide tax forgiveness for a fee.

Don’t be fooled. The IRS won’t initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text message, or social media channels.

Here is a typical scenario:

A scammer uses a phishing email to get you to reveal your social security number. Next, they use the information to steal your identity. Then, they submit a false tax return and route refunds to their bank account. You may not know anything is wrong until you try to submit your return.

Follow these tips to protect yourself during tax preparation season:

• Act quickly if you think someone has filed a false return in your name.
• File as early as possible to decrease the likelihood of identity theft.
• Sign up to get an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number or IP-PIN. It’s an extra layer of protection, like two-factor authentication, and you can use it alongside your social security number when filing your taxes.
• Never reply to suspicious emails, phone calls, or text messages requesting personal information.
• Be wary of tax preparers asking you to sign an incomplete return or not allowing you to review it.

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