How to Protect Your Tax Refund and Your Identity This Year
At First Financial Federal Credit Union, protecting our members’ financial well-being is a priority year-round. As tax season approaches, we want to help you recognize common scams, understand the warning signs, and take proactive steps to safeguard your refund and personal information.
Tax season is one of the busiest times for scammers. As millions of taxpayers prepare their returns, fraudsters ramp up tactics to steal personal information, hijack refunds, and trick unsuspecting filers.
In 2026, the threats are evolving — but so is your ability to protect yourself. Let’s break down the most common tax season scams and how you can stay safe.
Are Tax Scams Increasing in 2026?
Yes. Each year, the IRS and consumer protection agencies warn that tax scams — including refund fraud, phishing, and impersonation — tend to spike during tax season.
Scammers use a variety of methods to trick taxpayers, including phone calls, fake emails, and fraudulent tax filings.
Understanding how these scams work is key to protecting yourself and your refund.
IRS Impersonation Calls: Is the IRS Calling You?
One of the most common scams remains IRS impersonation calls — where someone pretends to be from the IRS and tries to scare you into paying or giving up personal information.
Important tips to know:
- The IRS will not call unexpectedly demanding immediate payment.
- The IRS will never require payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately. Learn how to spot these calls in our previous blog: Security Alert: Impersonating Phone Calls.
Fake IRS Texts and Emails — What to Look For
Scammers aren’t just calling — they’re also sending fake IRS emails and text messages designed to get you to click malicious links or share sensitive info.
These phishing scams often:
- Claim there’s a problem with your tax return
- Offer a larger refund if you “verify your details”
- Include attachments or links that install malware
💡 Tip: The IRS does not initiate contact by text or email to request personal information. If you’re unsure whether a message is real, treat it as suspect.
You can learn more about recognizing phishing scams in this helpful guide: How to Spot a Phishing Scam Before It’s Too Late.
Tax Refund Scams
Tax refund scams happen when criminals use stolen personal information to file fraudulent tax returns early in the season to claim your refund before you file.
Common warning signs of refund fraud:
- Your return is rejected because one has already been filed
- You receive an unexpected IRS notice
- You receive a refund you didn’t request
Filing early and using secure filing methods can help prevent this.
If you’re concerned about broader identity misuse beyond tax season, we covered prevention tips during 2026 Identity Theft Awareness Week that can help you stay protected year-round.
Fake Tax Preparers and Other Scams
Scammers may also pose as tax preparers — either in person or online. They may:
- Promise unusually large refunds
- Charge fees based on refund size
- Ask you to provide unprotected personal information
Only use reputable tax professionals, and always review your tax return before signing.
How to Protect Your Tax Refund in 2026
Here are key steps to safeguard your refund and personal information:
- File Early – Filing early reduces the chance that someone else will file a fake return using your identity.
- Use Secure Filing Methods – Ensure your tax preparer uses encrypted platforms and secure login protocols.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi – Public networks are easy targets for hackers — don’t file your taxes on them.
- Strengthen Account Security – Enable multi-factor authentication on email, tax prep, and financial accounts.
- Shred Paper Documents – Protect yourself from physical identity theft by shredding old tax records.
What to Do If You Get a Tax Scam Call or Email
If you suspect you’ve encountered a tax scam:
- Stop all communication.
- Do not provide personal information.
- Report phishing or impersonation attempts at IRS.gov.
- If your First Financial accounts may be affected, contact us immediately so we can help review and secure your account.
- Monitor your credit and accounts for unusual activity.
Taking quick action can reduce the impact of fraud!
Stay Cyber-Aware This Tax Season
Tax season scams in 2026 may seem convincing — but knowing what to look for, how to recognize red flags, and where to find legitimate IRS communication can protect you and your refund.
At First Financial Federal Credit Union, we’re committed to helping our members stay financially confident and secure. If you ever notice suspicious activity on your account or receive a suspicious tax-related communication, contact us right away.
Explore our Financial Wellness Tools and Security Center on our website to learn more tips and tricks — and file safely this tax season.