While it seems that EVERY season is cybercrime season, April is the hacker’s absolute favorite time of year. With Tax Day, April 15^th, just days away, the opportunities for stealing personal information, bank details, and even refund checks are at an all-time high.

 

Cyber experts agree that the most effective way to outsmart hackers is to file early. Once you receive your W-2 and 1099 in late January, go ahead and file right away. This will beat the regular administrative delay in processing refunds, but will also beat any criminal trying to use a stolen SSN to the punch. Since that ship has sailed for this year, here are a few additional tips for staying vigilant:

 

1. Protect your identity.

The IRS and third-party vendors like TurboTax and HR Block provide ways to protect and authenticate your identity. Any opportunity offered to create unique (yes, UNIQUE and not your Netflix password) PINs or to use multi-factor authentication, take it.

 

2. Confirm your preparer’s credentials.

If you choose an accountant or third-party vendor, ask them about their cybersecurity policies. Ask if they encrypt returns before filing, how they store your data, and who else has access to your data. If you’re not comfortable with their reply, move along.

 

3. Transmit tax documents securely.

You may need to mail your (or your partner’s) tax documents from one account to another. Encrypt everything first. If you need to mail your forms, use a service that can provide a tracking number.

 

4. Back up documents.

The IRS recommends saving tax documents for 3 years. Make sure to save copies securely in the cloud and make paper copies you store somewhere safe.

 

5. Beware the phishers!

You already know how to spot a phishing scam (urgent, unsolicited messages imploring you to “act now!” and “confirm your identity”) so keep your eyes peeled. The IRS will NEVER call or email you asking for personal or financial data including login information or your SSN. If a caller tries to bully you into giving up something personal, just hang up.

 

6. Choose direct deposit.

The easiest crime to commit is to snag a refund check from someone’s mailbox. Choose the IRS’s direct deposit option to ensure your refund is transmitted straight to your bank account. It’s faster and much safer.

 

If you think you have been scammed or had either your identity or refund check stolen, you can visit the IRS – Identity Theft Guide for what to do next. Be safe, be smart, and enjoy that refund!