03/24/2026
Your tax forms sell for $20 on the dark web.
Criminals use stolen personal data to file fake tax returns and claim refunds before the real taxpayer does. How to stay safe:
1. File your taxes early.
2. Protect your Social Security number.
3. Watch out for phishing emails and texts.
4. Use strong, unique passwords.
5. Monitor your accounts and credit reports.
6. Consider an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN).
For more information, read the article at
Tax season is also peak season for identity theft. Malwarebytes researchers spotted criminals trading stolen tax records on dark web forums.