cybersecurity tips: Protect yourself from tax scams as filing season begins
Feb. 18, 2026 ET — With tax filing season underway, scammers are shifting tactics to exploit taxpayers at the busiest time of year. Officials and consumer advocates warn that phone calls, emails and social media pitches promising refunds or threatening penalties are on the rise. Here are practical cybersecurity tips and defensive steps to keep money and personal data safe.
How scammers operate and the red flags to watch for
Two common fraud patterns have emerged this season. In one, a caller claims to be an agent insisting the taxpayer owes back taxes, then presses for immediate payment by prepaid debit card or wire transfer and threatens arrest or fines. In the other, the scammer promises a tax refund but asks for personal details to “process” the payment — information that can be used for identity theft or to commit further fraud.
Scammers use a range of tricks to appear legitimate: spoofed caller ID that looks like a government number, fake badge numbers or names, scripted robocall recordings, and follow-up emails that mimic official logos and color schemes. A common tactic is urgency — pressuring people to act immediately before they can verify the claim or consult someone they trust.
Practical cybersecurity tips to avoid becoming a victim
- Stop and verify. If a caller demands immediate payment or personal data, hang up. Do not call back using a number provided in the email or call; instead use phone numbers from official mailed notices or established agency contact points.
- Refuse unusual payment methods. Never pay taxes with a prepaid debit card, wire transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency. These methods are favored by scammers because transactions are difficult to reverse.
- Protect personal identifiers. Do not share Social Security numbers, bank account details, or birth dates over phone or email unless you initiated contact through a verified channel.
- Scrutinize emails and texts. Look for misspellings, mismatched branding, or requests to click links or download attachments. Official tax notices are typically delivered by mail before any phone contact.
- Check for official correspondence codes. Legitimate notices often include letter codes or reference numbers that can be validated through agency resources; if you receive a letter, compare its identifiers before responding.
- Involve a trusted third party. Seniors and others who feel vulnerable should ask a family member, tax preparer or financial advisor to review suspicious communications before taking action.
- Use secure accounts and passwords. Protect online tax accounts with strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication when available to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
What to do if you suspect fraud
Stop communicating with the suspicious party immediately. Preserve the evidence — save voicemails, emails and screenshots — and verify any claims directly through official, trusted channels. Agencies typically initiate contact by mail, not by unexpected phone calls, texts or social messages; mail is used when there is an outstanding balance or formal action required.
Those who believe they have been targeted should report the incident through consumer protection or government fraud hotlines and consider placing fraud alerts on credit files if personal information has been disclosed. Experts also advise checking bank and credit card statements for unfamiliar transactions and contacting financial institutions promptly to block or reverse payments when possible.
Scam activity is widespread: recent surveys indicate a significant share of Americans have been contacted about or impacted by tax-related fraud. Staying skeptical of urgent demands, protecting personal data, and following these cybersecurity tips can reduce the odds of falling victim this filing season.
