Tax scams spike as filing day gets closer

As April approaches, crooks are getting bolder about stealing refunds before honest taxpayers can. Instead of breaking into mailboxes or hacking bank accounts, they’re now hijacking Social Security numbers to file fake tax returns and grab refunds. What’s especially sneaky is that the real owner might not even know a return was filed until they try to file their own and the IRS says, “Sorry, we already sent your money. ” The problem hits people who don’t normally file hardest—often low-income workers or seniors—because once the IRS sends a tax bill for income they never earned, clearing their name can take years.One simple way to fight back is a free six-digit code called an IP PIN. Think of it as a secret password you must type every time you file. The catch? Thieves can also get their hands on it if you’re not careful. Another headache is when someone uses your Social Security number to land a job. Your employer sends a W-2 to the IRS, the crook gets paid, but you’re stuck with the tax bill until you can prove it wasn’t you. Right now, that proof can take almost two years because the IRS is short-staffed and buried under a mountain of fraud reports. Peak tax season means the agency is laser-focused on speeding up refunds, not on ringing alarm bells. In a typical year, the IRS flags over two million returns as suspicious, but most victims only discover the fraud long after the deadline has passed. Experts suggest a few basic moves: check your wage records online once a year, shred anything with your Social Security number, and file your own return as early as possible. If you’re not ready, ask for an extension before April 15—just make sure to do it formally so you don’t accidentally trip any hidden traps.