Protect Yourself from Tax Season Scams: What You Need to Know

Tax season is a prime time for scammers to target individuals and businesses with fraudulent schemes designed to steal personal information, financial details, and even tax refunds. At Patriot Protect, we help you stay ahead of cybercriminals by identifying threats and safeguarding your sensitive data. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself during tax season.

Common Tax Scams to Watch For

1. IRS Impersonation Scams

Scammers may call, email, or text, claiming to be from the IRS and demanding immediate payment. They often use scare tactics, such as threats of arrest or lawsuits.

How to Spot It:

  • The IRS never initiates contact via phone, email, or text.
  • The IRS will not threaten to involve law enforcement.
  • Scammers often demand payment through wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, or gift cards.

How to Protect Yourself:

  • Hang up immediately if you receive a suspicious call.
  • Do not click links in emails or texts claiming to be from the IRS.
  • Verify tax-related messages by contacting the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040.

2. Fake Tax Preparers

Fraudulent tax preparers promise large refunds but steal your personal and financial information. Some even file false returns under your name.

How to Spot It:

  • They refuse to sign your return or provide a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).
  • They ask for direct access to your tax refund.
  • They charge fees based on the size of your refund.

How to Protect Yourself:

  • Use a trusted tax professional. The IRS provides a Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers here.
  • Never sign a blank return.
  • File early to reduce the risk of someone filing a fraudulent return in your name.

3. Phishing Emails & Fake IRS Websites

Cybercriminals send fake IRS emails designed to trick you into sharing sensitive information or downloading malware onto your computer.

How to Spot It:

  • Emails may claim there’s an issue with your tax return or refund.
  • The message includes links to fraudulent IRS look-alike websites.
  • The email demands immediate action, such as clicking a link or downloading an attachment.

How to Protect Yourself:

  • The IRS does not send unsolicited emails—delete any suspicious messages.
  • Hover over links before clicking—legitimate IRS websites always end in .gov.
  • Use Patriot Protect: Blackout to monitor for personal data leaks that could make you a target.

4. Identity Theft & Stolen Refunds

Scammers may use stolen Social Security numbers to file fake tax returns, claiming refunds before you can. You may not discover this until your real return is rejected.

How to Spot It:

  • You receive an IRS notice about a return you never filed.
  • You’re unable to e-file because a return has already been submitted under your name.
  • You get tax documents for wages you didn’t earn.

How to Protect Yourself:

  • File early—fraudsters can’t file a return in your name if you’ve already submitted yours.
  • Sign up for an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) with the IRS here.
  • Use Patriot Protect’s Search & Destroy service to remove your personal data from scammer databases.

What to Do If You’re Targeted

If you suspect tax fraud, take action immediately:
Report IRS impersonation scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 1-800-366-4484 or at www.tigta.gov.
Report identity theft to the IRS at 1-800-908-4490 and submit Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit).
Use Patriot Protect: Blackout to monitor and remove your exposed personal information before it can be exploited.

Stay Safe with Patriot Protect

Scammers are getting more sophisticated, but so are we. At Patriot Protect, we help you take control of your personal data, block scammers, and reduce your risk of identity theft. Sign up today to safeguard your information before tax season scammers strike.

Protect yourself now—because your security matters.

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