Tax Season Scams: Are you ready?
This article explains how tax season is a high-risk period for phishing scams and identity theft targeting students, faculty, and staff. It emphasizes the importance of protecting personal and financial information and staying alert to fraudulent messages that attempt to exploit tax-related urgency.
Tax season is a prime time for cybercriminals to target students, faculty, and staff with scams and identity theft. Protecting your personal and financial information is crucial. Here’s how you can stay safe.
Common Tax Scams
- Phishing Emails & Messages – Fake emails pretending to be from the IRS or tax companies asking for personal details.
- Fake Tax Preparers – Scammers posing as professionals to steal your information or refund.
- Identity Theft – Criminals file fraudulent tax returns using stolen information.
- Malware & Ransomware – Clicking malicious links or downloading attachments can expose your data.
How to Protect Yourself
- Ignore Suspicious Emails & Links – The IRS won’t email, text, or contact you on social media for personal info.
- Use Strong Passwords & MFA – Secure your tax accounts with complex passwords and multi-factor authentication.
- File Taxes Early – Reduces the risk of someone else filing in your name.
- Set up an IP PIN
- Use a Secure Internet Connection – Avoid public Wi-Fi when filing taxes.
- Verify Tax Preparers – Check for a valid PTIN before using a tax professional.
- Monitor Financial Accounts – Watch for unusual activity in your bank and credit statements.
- Secure Personal Documents – Store sensitive paperwork safely by doing the below:
- Physical Storage Options: Fireproof/Waterproof Safe, Organized Filing System, Bank Safe Deposit Box.
- Digital Storage Options: Secure Cloud Storage, Password-Protected Computer Folder, Dedicated Tax Software/App, Encrypted External Hard Drive.
- Hybrid Approach (Best Practice) – Backup Digital Copies of Physical Documents, Regularly Update & Backup Files, Shred Old & Unneeded Documents.
What to Do If You Suspect Fraud
- Report phishing emails to phishing@irs.gov.
- Call the IRS Identity Theft Protection Unit at 1-800-908-4490.
- Alert your bank and place a fraud alert on your credit report.
Want to Know More?
National Cybersecurity Alliance | What is Multifactor Authentication (MFA) and Why Should You Use It?
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | Tax Scams
Bleeping Computer | Scammers file first — Get your IRS Identity Protection PIN now
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