This week, January 28-February 1, is Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week. The goal of this week is to make taxpayers more aware of how to protect themselves from tax-related identity theft and scams. This type of identity theft occurs when someone steals a Social Security number and uses it to claim a tax refund or get a job.

Resources to Help

The IRS and the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIS) have a few resources available to help you prepare for these risks.

Security Awareness for Taxpayers

Preventing and Responding to Identity Theft

Preparing for Heightened Phishing Risk this Tax Season

Avoid these Scams

Remember: The IRS will not call you with threats of jail or lawsuits. The IRS will not send you an unsolicited email suggesting you have a refund or that you need to update your account. The IRS will not request any sensitive information online. These are all scams, and they are persistent. Don’t fall for them. Forward IRS-related scam emails to phishing@irs.gov. Report IRS-impersonation telephone calls at www.tigta.gov.