Tax Season Scams: How to Protect Yourself and Your Refund

Tax season is a busy time for households and a profitable time for scammers. As members prepare to file returns or await refunds, fraudsters take advantage by impersonating the IRS, tax preparers and even employers. As your credit union, we want to help you recognize common tax scams and keep your personal and financial information secure.

Common Tax Season Scams

IRS Impersonation Scams: Scammers may contact you by phone, email, or text claiming to be from the IRS. These messages often threaten legal action, demand immediate payment, or request personal information. The IRS does not initiate contact by email, text, or social media.
Fake Tax Preparation Services: Fraudulent tax preparers may promise larger refunds or charge unusually low fees. In some cases, scammers file false returns using stolen information or keep refunds without the taxpayer's knowledge.
Tax Identity Theft: Criminals use stolen personal information to file a tax return in your name and claim your refund. Victims often discover the fraud only after the IRS rejects their legitimate return as a duplicate.
Phishing Emails and Texts: Scammers send messages disguised as tax documents, refund updates or account notices. Clicking links or downloading attachments can expose your personal data or install malware.
Unemployment and Benefit Tax Scams: Some fraudsters exploit confusion around tax forms related to unemployment income or government benefits, using fake notices to gather personal information.

Tips to Stay Safe During Tax Season

File Early: Filing as soon as you have your documents reduces the chance of identity theft.
Use Trusted Tax Preparers: Verify credentials and avoid anyone who guarantees a specific refund amount. Take advantage of exclusive member discounts with TurboTax and H&R Block.
Protect Your Documents: Secure tax forms, W-2s and 1099s, and avoid sending sensitive information through unsecured email.
Be Cautious with IRS Messages: When in doubt, visit the official IRS website instead of clicking links in messages.
Monitor Your Accounts: Review bank and credit statements for unauthorized transactions.

What We Will Never Ask For

To help protect your accounts, remember that we will never ask for the following through unsolicited calls, emails, or texts:

Your Online Banking username or password
One-time passcodes or verification codes
Your full debit or credit card number or PIN
Your Social Security number
Payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency

If you receive a message requesting this information, pause and contact us directly.

What to Do if You Suspect Tax Fraud

If you believe your information has been compromised or notice suspicious activity, contact us immediately. You should also report suspected tax fraud to the IRS and follow their identity theft guidance.

Staying informed is one of the best ways to protect your refund and your financial future. Stay tuned to our blog as we are here to help you navigate tax season and life safely and confidently.

Like what you see? Sign up to receive the free CreditLines newsletter.

(January 2026)

Internal Revenue Service - Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scams-consumer-alerts

Federal Trade Commission - Tax Identity Theft
https://www.identitytheft.gov

FBI - Common Scams and Safety Tips
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety

Better Business Bureau - Tax Preparation Scams
https://www.bbb.org/all/scamstudies