Privacy
Impersonation of trusted contacts
Criminals study relationships and routines, then impersonate someone you already trust — often with a believable reason and a deadline.
Read More: Impersonation of trusted contactsJune 26
Tax season is more than a calendar event. It's a predictable cycle that criminals exploit knowing you are expecting tax emails, documents, and payment requests, which lowers skepticism and leads to mistakes. They plan for this time of year and fine tune their methods to strike with alarming accuracy.
This guide explains how these attacks work, what cybercriminals are really trying to accomplish, and how to reduce your exposure with clear, practical steps. A small amount of preparation now can prevent months or years of financial and reputational fallout later.
Articles
Privacy
Criminals study relationships and routines, then impersonate someone you already trust — often with a believable reason and a deadline.
Read More: Impersonation of trusted contactsFinancial Fraud
Messages look official and try to trigger fear or excitement — "urgent issue," "final notice," "refund available" — to push you to click, scan, or call.
Read More: Fake IRS phishing emails, texts, and callsFinancial Fraud
Criminals use stolen personal data to file early and redirect refunds — and keep exploiting your identity long after tax season ends.
Read More: Fake tax returns filed in your nameFeature article
Why your tax refund could have company — and the three habits that keep filing season safe for you, your family, and your advisors.
Read More: Your tax-season security routineFinancial Fraud
A "ghost preparer" prepares a return but refuses to sign it or include their required identification — leaving you holding responsibility.
Read More: Ghost tax preparersFinancial Fraud
Scammers advertise guaranteed refunds, fake credits, or "insider" filing strategies — then harvest fees, documents, and identities.
Read More: False promises of large refunds or “special” creditsFinancial Fraud
These scams target people who may owe taxes — or worry they might — with promises to reduce debt quickly for an upfront fee.
Read More: Tax debt settlement scamsFinancial Fraud
Criminals send a fake check, claim it was a mistake, then pressure you to "return" funds quickly — before you can verify anything.
Read More: Unexpected & fraudulent refund checksPrevious editions
Don't let cybercriminals ruin the holidays. Speak to BlackCloak about concierge protection for you and your family.