How Scammers Steal Tax Info from Your Preparer
You trust your tax preparer with some of your most sensitive personal and financial information. But what happens if scammers target them—and end up with your data?
Unfortunately, there’s a real scam going around that does exactly that. Here’s how it works and how you can protect yourself.
The Scam in Action
Criminals send fake emails to tax preparers, pretending to be from the tax software company the preparer uses.
These emails ask the preparer to “verify” their
Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN)—a number the IRS uses to identify legitimate tax businesses.
The email tells them to send the EFIN information by fax.
If the preparer falls for it, scammers can use that EFIN to file fake tax returns in clients’ names—claiming fraudulent refunds.
Why This Matters to You
If your preparer’s EFIN is stolen, scammers could:
- File a fake return using your personal information
- Claim your refund before you do
- Cause IRS delays and red flags on your account
- Make it harder and slower for you to get your real refund
Signs of Trouble
Here are a few warning signs that could mean your personal tax information was compromised:
- You try to e-file and the IRS says a return has already been filed under your name
- You get a letter from the IRS about a tax return you didn’t file
- You receive unexpected tax documents in the mail
What You Can Do
You can’t stop scammers from targeting tax professionals, but you can take steps to protect yourself:
- Ask your preparer how they protect client data — A good tax pro will use secure portals and never send sensitive info over unencrypted email.
- Consider getting an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) — This is a 6-digit number that prevents anyone from filing a return in your name without it.
- Act quickly if you suspect fraud — Contact your tax preparer, report it to the IRS, and follow their steps to secure your account.
Bottom Line
The EFIN scam targets tax preparers, but it’s taxpayers who can suffer the consequences. By choosing a preparer who takes security seriously—and staying alert to signs of fraud—you can greatly reduce your risk.
If you think your information may have been compromised or want help setting up extra IRS protections, contact Arch Tax today. We’ll help you secure your account and make sure your tax return is filed safely and accurately.
