It’s that time of year again.
W-2s are flying. 401(k) reports are downloaded to desktops. And all the security awareness you’ve worked on all year? Yeah, that just went out the window.
Hackers love tax season. It’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet of sensitive data, just waiting to be stolen. And the worst part? Most of the time, your own team is the one setting the table.
So, what can you do?
- Treat Email Like a Postcard—Because That’s What It Is
Would you write your Social Security number on a postcard and drop it in the mail? No? Then why would you send sensitive data in an email?
Email is not secure. It’s like handing off a postcard to a sketchy mail carrier in a country where you don’t speak the language. You don’t know who’s reading it, where it’s going, or even if it’ll land in the right hands.
Bottom line: If you wouldn’t write it on a postcard, don’t send it in an email.
- The Government Does NOT Email You
See a message claiming to be from the IRS? A tracking link for your tax return? A request to confirm your bank details?
It’s a scam.
The IRS doesn’t send email. Period. If you click that link, you’re probably handing your credentials over to some hacker sitting in a basement—or worse, a full-blown cybercrime operation.
- Double-Check Snail Mail, Too
Yes, some scammers are even using old-school mail fraud. They’ll send official-looking letters demanding payment, claiming you owe back taxes, or threatening legal action.
If you get a letter, don’t panic. Research the real IRS number, call them directly, and verify. Never trust the phone number printed on a suspicious letter—it’s probably the scammer’s hotline.
The Rule That Saves You Every Time
Before you give out sensitive information, verify.
- Call the company or agency directly using a phone number from their official website.
- Never email Social Security numbers, W-2s, or financial details.
- Train your team to spot tax season scams before they click.
Because the only thing worse than dealing with taxes? Dealing with tax fraud.
