5 Ways To Protect Yourself From Scammers This Tax Season

Tax identity theft is a real threat for millions of Americans. In 2023 alone, the IRS identified over $5.5 billion in fraud resulting from tax identity theft and tax refund scams.

Identity thieves use stolen information to file fraudulent tax returns in your name, or they may use the stress of tax season to scam unsuspecting victims out of their tax returns.

Follow these steps to ensure you don’t become the victim of tax identity theft or a stolen tax refund this year.

Aura — Identity Theft & Tax Scam Protection

Pricing

As low as $9/mo

Benefits

✓ Identity and SSN Monitoring
✓ 3-Bureau Credit Fraud Alerts
✓ $1 Million ID Theft Insurance
✓ 24/7 US-Based Fraud experts
✓ VPN & Antivirus to block tax scam sites and malware

Ratings

BBB Rating: A+
Trustpilot “Excellent”
Top Rated by Forbes Advisor

Aura — Identity Theft & Tax Scam Protection

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1. Monitor Your Identity for Signs of Fraud with Aura

Every year, the IRS processes millions of tax returns, making it nearly impossible to catch all instances of tax-related identity theft. Instead, the best thing you can do is to monitor your own identity and financial accounts for signs of fraud.

Aura is an award-winning identity theft protection solution with a 5-star rating (the highest possible) from Forbes Advisor. 

Not only does Aura help prevent identity theft, but it also includes 24/7 U.S.-based support and a generous insurance policy to help cover losses and reimburse expenses related to fraud.

Here’s how Aura protects you against tax identity theft and other scams:

• Award-winning Social Security number and identity monitoring. If your sensitive personal information is used to open fraudulent accounts, leaked in a data breach, or shows up somewhere it shouldn’t be, Aura will alert you in near real-time.
• Three-bureau credit monitoring with the industry’s fastest fraud alerts. Aura also monitors your credit file at all three bureaus and can alert you to potential fraud up to 250x* faster than competing services.
• AI-powered scam call and text protection. Available on ioS or Android, Aura’s call and message protection feature screens all incoming calls and texts to block scammers and reduce the amount of phone spam you have to deal with.
• Advanced digital security tools to prevent hacking. Every Aura plan also includes a comprehensive set of digital security tools for all of your devices — including powerful antivirus, a VPN, password manager, Safe Browsing tools and more.
• 24/7 US-Based Customer Support & Fraud Resolution Experts support. Aura’s U.S. based support team is available day and night via phone or email to assist you with questions or help you recover from fraud.
• Up to $5 million in identity theft insurance for families. If the worst should happen, Aura covers you and your family for up to $5 million in eligible losses (or $1 million for individuals) due to identity theft, including stolen funds, lawyer fees and other expenses.

As a special offer this tax season, you can save up to 68% when you sign up for Aura today.

2. File Your Taxes Early

Beyond giving you more time to file properly, filing your taxes early is the easiest way to avoid tax-related identity theft.

Once you file your legitimate return for the tax year, scammers will be unable to use your stolen or leaked personal information to file in your name. As an added bonus, filing early ensures you won’t get hit with any late penalties or interest payments, assuming you paid what you owed.

3. Beware of Fake IRS Phishing Emails, Texts and Calls

In this scam, fraudsters pose as IRS representatives to trick victims into giving up personal information or paying fake fees and fines. The IRS initiates the majority of its contact via the United States Postal Service (USPS).  In almost all cases, if someone reaches out to you via phone or email claiming to be from the IRS, it’s a scam.

To be sure, you can check for these warning signs:

• Threatening or urgent language. IRS representatives will not threaten you with jail time or a “canceled SSN” if you don’t comply.
• They’re not using an official IRS email or phone number. All correspondence should come from an official @IRS.gov email or an official phone number listed on the IRS website. Even then, taxpayers will generally first receive several notices and letters from the IRS in the mail.
• Requests for personal information. The IRS will not ask you to confirm your Social Security number, date of birth, bank account numbers or other sensitive information over the phone or email.
• Demands that you pay via gift card, payment app, etc. Scammers will try to pressure you into sending them payment via non-refundable methods, such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, Cash App, etc.

4. Pay Attention to Strange Tax Documents

If an identity thief uses your personal information to file a tax return, you may receive tax documents from the IRS or employers you don’t recognize. Don’t ignore unrequested tax transcripts, W-2 or 1099s, notices of assessment, or any other document related to a tax return you didn’t submit.

If the IRS suspects identity theft, you may receive a 5071C or 4883C letter. These are legitimate letters from the IRS that warn you of potential fraud and request that you verify your identity.

5. Request an Identity Protection PIN (IP Pin)

The IRS can assign you a secret six-digit number that you can use to verify your identity when filing your taxes. This way, scammers won’t be able to use your identity or Social Security number to file taxes in your name. You can request an IP PIN on the IRS.gov website.

Aura — Identity Theft & Tax Scam Protection

Pricing

As low as $9/mo

Benefits

✓ Identity and SSN Monitoring
✓ 3-Bureau Credit Fraud Alerts
✓ $1 Million ID Theft Insurance
✓ 24/7 US-Based Fraud experts
✓ VPN & Antivirus to block tax scam sites and malware

Ratings

BBB Rating: A+
Trustpilot “Excellent”
Top Rated by Forbes Advisor

Aura — Identity Theft & Tax Scam Protection

Learn More

On Aura's Website

What To Do If You Think You’re a Victim of Tax Identity Theft

If you think you’re the victim of tax-related fraud or identity theft, act quickly to inform the IRS, protect your finances and secure your identity from further scams.

Here’s what to do:

• Report the fraud to the IRS using Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit). You’ll need to file this form along with a paper return and mail it to the IRS address in your state.
• File an official identity theft report with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov. An FTC report is essential for disputing fraudulent transactions and false tax returns.
• Freeze your credit with all three bureaus to prevent scammers from using your stolen information to open new accounts or take out loans in your name.
• Notify local and state tax authorities using this list of state tax agencies to find your state’s Department of Revenue.
• Pay your legitimate taxes to avoid late fees or penalties.
• Sign up for identity theft protection from Aura. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, 50% of identity theft victims are repeat victims. Let Aura keep your identity safe and protect you from future fraud.

Whether you work with a professional tax preparer or send your own returns to the IRS in the mail, someone can use your personal information to scam you.

Avoid becoming a victim by safeguarding your personal information, filing your taxes early, and monitoring your identity and finances with Aura.

*As compared to the competition. Results based on a 2022 mystery shopper consumer study conducted by ath Power Consulting. ath Power Consulting was compensated by Aura to conduct this study.