Tax Season Cyber Safety: Protect Your Identity Before You File

Provident Credit Union Security & Fraud Awareness

Tax season is a popular time for scams because people are expecting documents (W-2s/1099s), checking refund status, and sharing sensitive info online. A little caution now can help protect your identity and your money.

Watch for these common scams

• “IRS” impersonation by email, text, or phone claiming you owe money or must “verify” info urgently
• Fake tax prep/refund sites designed to steal your SSN, login info, or banking details
• “Your tax document is ready” phishing with unexpected attachments or login links
• Refund theft where fraudsters file a return using stolen personal information

Do these 6 things before you file

1. Turn on MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) especially for email and financial accounts
2. Don’t click tax links from texts/emails—type the web address yourself
3. Be cautious with attachments you weren’t expecting
4. Protect your SSN and tax documents (store securely, shred what you don’t need)
5. Consider a credit freeze to help stop new accounts being opened in your name
6. Enable account alerts for transfers, and profile changes

If you think you were targeted

• Stop responding, change your passwords, and review account activity right away.
• If you’re a Provident member and you’re concerned about fraud on your accounts, contact Provident at (800) 632-4600.

Stay Protected with Provident’s Identity Theft Protection Service

For comprehensive security, Provident offers an Identity Theft Protection service. With 24/7 monitoring of your accounts and personal information, including family members, our service provides you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have an affordable, proactive defense against fraud. Taking these steps now can help keep your information safe and worry-free. 

Important Reminder: Provident will never call and ask you for your passcode, password, PIN or any personal information. If someone calls claiming to be from Provident and asks for a code you received beforehand, please hang up and call Provident's member service number directly at (800) 632-4600 to report the suspicious activity.