Tax season brings a new wave of identity theft risks. The FTC reported that individuals lost over $10 billion to fraud in 2023 — a 14% increase — with over 2.6 million consumers falling victim.
File Early to Protect Yourself
The IRS encourages taxpayers to file as early as possible to prevent fraudsters from filing a false return in your name.
Common Tactics Used by Fraudsters
- False Promises of Refunds — Unsolicited calls or messages claiming you qualify for a refund.
- Aggressive Threats — Threats of arrest, deportation, or legal consequences.
- Suspicious Links — Emails with links to fraudulent websites designed to steal your personal information.
- Fake Tax Preparers — Always verify credentials before sharing personal information with a tax preparer.
If you are concerned that your tax filing has been compromised, consult with your tax, legal, or accounting professionals about specific steps to manage your situation proactively.
