Let’s be honest—tax season isn’t exactly something we look forward to. It’s stressful enough to track down paperwork, crunch numbers, and hope you didn’t make a mistake. But there’s one thing that often gets overlooked in all the chaos: cyber risks.
Think about it—filing taxes means handling some of your most sensitive personal and financial data. And whether you’re submitting a return online, paying taxes, or receiving a refund, you’re a prime target for cybercriminals. Let’s talk about the risks and how to protect yourself, so you don’t end up as someone’s next victim.
- Phishing Scams: The IRS Doesn’t Email You
One of the biggest tricks in the book? Fake IRS emails, texts, and calls. Scammers will send messages claiming there’s an issue with your tax return, you owe money, or you need to verify personal details. They’ll include a link that looks legit but actually steals your info or installs malware on your device.
How to protect yourself:
- The IRS never initiates contact via email, text, or social media—only by mail.
- If you get a suspicious message, don’t click any links. Instead, go directly to the official IRS website (irs.gov) and check your tax status there.
- If you’re unsure, call the IRS directly using their official number—not the one from the email or text.
- Fake Tax Prep Services & Scam Websites
Not all tax preparation websites are created equal. Some are designed to look just like the real thing but are actually phishing sites meant to steal your Social Security number, login credentials, or banking details.
How to protect yourself:
- Only use well-known, reputable tax preparation services. If you’re using an online tax tool, double-check that the website URL starts with “https://” (the “s” means it’s secure).
- Be cautious of unsolicited offers from “tax preparers” promising huge refunds or requesting payment through unusual methods like gift cards or wire transfers.
- If you’re hiring a tax professional, verify their credentials with the IRS Directory of Tax Preparers.
- Public Wi-Fi & Unsecured Networks
Filing your taxes or making payments while sipping coffee at your favorite café might sound convenient, but public Wi-Fi is a hacker’s playground. If the network isn’t secure, cybercriminals can intercept the data you’re sending—like your Social Security number, bank details, or login info.
How to protect yourself:
- Never file taxes, enter banking information, or make financial transactions over public Wi-Fi.
- If you absolutely have to, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data.
- Make sure your home Wi-Fi network is secured with a strong password, and keep your router firmware updated.
- Direct Deposit & Refund Scams
If you’re getting a refund, you’re not the only one excited about it—scammers are too. One trick they use is filing a fraudulent tax return in your name before you even get a chance. They change the direct deposit details so your refund goes straight into their account. By the time you realize it, the money’s gone.
How to protect yourself:
- File your taxes as early as possible to reduce the risk of someone filing a return in your name.
- Set up Identity Protection PINs (IP PINs) with the IRS. This is a special code only you can use to file your taxes.
- If you get a notice from the IRS about a return you didn’t file, act fast. Report it immediately through the IRS Identity Theft Assistance program.
- Payment Risks: Fake IRS Representatives
Scammers posing as IRS agents often demand payment for “unpaid taxes,” threatening legal action or even arrest. These criminals will insist you pay with wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, or cryptocurrency—all of which are hard to trace and recover.
How to protect yourself:
- The IRS will never demand immediate payment over the phone or threaten arrest.
- If you legitimately owe taxes, payments should always be made directly through the IRS website (irs.gov/payments).
- If someone calls claiming to be from the IRS, hang up and report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).
The Bottom Line: Stay Vigilant
Tax season is stressful enough without adding cyber threats into the mix. But a little caution goes a long way. Stick to secure networks, use trusted services, and don’t take the bait from scammers. Your personal and financial data is too valuable to risk.
If you ever feel like something’s off—whether it’s an email, a phone call, or even a website—trust your gut and verify it before taking action. In the digital world, a little skepticism can save you a whole lot of trouble.
