TL;DR: This phishing wave tracks the same January-to-April filing window as broader tax scams, intensifying as refunds are issued and taxpayers are actively checking on their status. File early to reduce the window for refund-related fraud, and check refund status only through the tax agency's official website or app, never through a link in an unsolicited message.
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This phishing wave tracks the same January-to-April filing window as broader tax scams, intensifying as refunds are issued and taxpayers are actively checking on their status.
How the Scam Plays Out
Messages claim there's an issue releasing your refund or that you're owed an unexpected amount, directing you to a fake portal that asks for your Social Security number and bank account to 'process' the payment.
How to Protect Yourself
File early to reduce the window for refund-related fraud, and check refund status only through the tax agency's official website or app, never through a link in an unsolicited message.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading January Gym and Fitness App Data Privacy.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see Back-to-Work January Phishing Emails.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does this typically happen?
This phishing wave tracks the same January-to-April filing window as broader tax scams, intensifying as refunds are issued and taxpayers are actively checking on their status.
What tactics are used?
Messages claim there's an issue releasing your refund or that you're owed an unexpected amount, directing you to a fake portal that asks for your Social Security number and bank account to 'process' the payment.
How can I protect myself?
File early to reduce the window for refund-related fraud, and check refund status only through the tax agency's official website or app, never through a link in an unsolicited message.
What should I do if I’ve already been targeted?
Stop all payments immediately, contact your bank or card issuer to see if a transaction can be reversed or flagged, and report the incident to the appropriate consumer protection body.