How to Keep Criminals, Identity Thieves, and Scammers Away From Your Refund

Every time you file a federal tax return, you hand over extremely sensitive personal information—including your Social Security number, income, dependents, employer information, and even your banking details for direct deposit.

The IRS uses industrial-grade security, but cybercriminals and refund thieves are constantly finding new ways to target taxpayers directly. The smartest thing you can do this tax season is take your own security seriously.

Here’s exactly how to protect your tax return information before, during, and after filing.

Why Your Tax Return Is a Top Target for Criminals

Your tax return includes data that criminals want most:

• Social Security numbers
• income history
• date of birth
• address
• dependents
• bank routing/account numbers
• employer info

Unlike credit cards, this information cannot easily be replaced if it’s stolen—and it can be used to commit identity theft for years.

Criminals Don’t Need to Hack the IRS — They Can Hack YOU

People assume the IRS is the weak point—but most refund fraud doesn’t come from IRS hacks at all. Instead, thieves steal information from:

• unsecured home computers
• public Wi-Fi connections
• phishing links
• fake IRS messages
• hacked payroll departments
• hacked tax preparers
• stolen mail
• data breaches from private companies

Once criminals have enough of your info, they can file a fake return before you do.

Protecting Yourself Starts Before Filing

Before tax season even begins:

Freeze your credit

Stops criminals from opening new accounts in your name.

Opt-in for identity protection services

Especially if your personal data has ever been exposed.

Use secured Wi-Fi only

Never prepare taxes on public internet.

Avoid storing tax files on shared devices

Keep them on a protected computer only.

Secure Your IRS Account the Right Way

If you have an IRS Online Account:

• use 2-factor authentication
• create a unique password
• don’t reuse your bank login password
• avoid using your primary email if possible

If someone gains access to your IRS account, they can view transcripts, past returns, and sensitive identity information.

Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN (This Is Big)

The Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is one of the most powerful ways to stop refund fraud.

A PIN:

• prevents criminals from filing a return as you
• prevents fraudulent refunds
• stops fake dependent claims

Only taxpayers with the correct annual PIN can file successfully.

Anyone in the U.S. can now opt-in—it is no longer limited to confirmed identity theft victims.

Be Extremely Careful With Tax Documents

Tax documents include:

• W-2s
• 1099s
• Social Security cards
• pay stubs
• prior-year returns

These documents should never be:

• emailed as attachments
• uploaded to random software sites
• stored on shared devices
• thrown away without shredding

Physical documents are a major target for identity thieves.

Watch Out for IRS Impersonators

The IRS will NOT:

• call unexpectedly demanding payment
• send threatening texts
• email links asking for personal information
• use social media messages

Criminals impersonate the IRS every year to steal identity information.

After You File, Keep Monitoring Your Refund

Even after filing, security matters:

Keep an eye on:

• Where’s My Refund status
• IRS notices
• Transcript activity
• Changes in refund amount

And if your refund status suddenly changes, stalls unusually long, or says “identity verification required,” contact the IRS right away.

If Something Feels Off, Act Immediately

Signs of identity problems include:

• rejection because a return is already filed
• suspicious IRS letters
• sudden request for verification
• dependents already claimed
• refund drastically different

If any of this happens:

• call the IRS identity protection line
• verify your identity
• request an IP PIN
• monitor your IRS account carefully

The Best Defense Is Layered Protection

Protecting your tax return information is not just about trusting IRS systems—it’s about protecting your personal information everywhere.

Combine:

• IRS security tools
• personal cybersecurity
• document protection
• identity monitoring

Together, these steps stop most refund thieves before they ever get close to your refund.