As the April 15th tax deadline approaches, cybercriminals are having their own version of “busy season.” Unfortunately, they don’t file returns—they steal them. We’re seeing a rise in scams targeting both individuals and businesses during this tax season.

Here’s what you need to know to keep your data safe, your stress levels manageable, and your sense of humor intact.

Why Tax Season Is Cybercrime Season
The chaos of tax time creates a prime opportunity for scammers:

  • More financial activity online = more targets

  • People rushing to file = more hasty clicks

  • Sensitive data flying everywhere = hacker heaven

  • Everyone’s talking to the IRS = easier to impersonate them

Basically, it’s like a buffet for cybercriminals—and they didn’t even bring a casserole.

Scams to Watch Out For (and Maybe Laugh At, Just a Little)
Phishing Emails with a Tax Twist
These emails are slick, scary, and suspicious. Watch for ones that:

  • Claim there’s a problem with your return

  • Threaten legal action unless you “verify” info

  • Offer surprise refunds that sound too good to be true

  • Pose as a friendly tax pro who “just needs a little more info”

Reminder: The IRS doesn’t email you out of the blue. If they do, it’s probably not them. It’s Chad the Scammer.

Refund Fraud & Identity Theft
If someone files a return using your SSN, they get the refund—and you get a headache. You might not know it happened until your real return gets rejected.

How to Fight Back Without Breaking a Sweat
Lock Down Your Info

  • Use strong, unique passwords (not your dog’s name with a ! at the end)

  • Turn on multi-factor authentication wherever possible

  • Try a password manager—it remembers stuff so you don’t have to

  • Guard your SSN like it’s your Netflix login after a new season drops

File Like a Pro

  • File early and beat the fraudsters to the punch

  • Never use public Wi-Fi for taxes (save the café vibes for non-sensitive tasks)

  • Use secure tax software with encryption and MFA

  • Consider a VPN if you’re filing from anywhere other than home

Protect Your Paperwork

  • Keep documents in locked cabinets (not the junk drawer with ketchup packets)

  • Shred what you don’t need

  • Use encrypted storage for digital records

  • Don’t send tax docs over email—secure file sharing only, please

Know the Warning Signs

  • Urgent language demanding action NOW

  • Requests for gift card payments (no, the IRS does not accept Apple Pay)

  • Bad grammar in “official” messages

  • Requests for info they should already have

If You Think You’ve Been Targeted
Here’s your playbook:

  • Contact our office right away

  • Forward phishing emails to phishing@irs.gov

  • Report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov

  • Consider a credit freeze or fraud alert with the big credit bureaus

How We Keep Your Data Safer Than a Locked Wine Cellar
We take your security seriously. Here’s what we do behind the scenes:

  • Secure client portals for sharing documents

  • Regular cybersecurity training (no, really—we take quizzes and tests)

  • Advanced encryption for sensitive information

  • Will never email or request sensitive information over email

  • Compliant data security and retention policies

Quick Questions to Keep You Sharp

  • Have you updated your financial passwords recently?

  • Would you recognize a fake IRS email?

  • Do you have a plan if your identity is stolen?

  • Are others in your household just as security-savvy?

We’ve Got Your Back This Tax Season
Scammers love tax season. Let’s make it less fun for them. We’re here to protect your finances and your inbox. Contact us if you have questions.