As we step into a new year, now is the perfect time to start fresh-and that includes safeguarding yourself against tax identity theft. Everyone is at risk of falling victim to tax identity theft, and thousands of Americans are impacted by this crime each year. Fraudsters often target taxpayers early in the year, hoping to take advantage of the hustle and bustle of busy tax season preparations.

Tax season can be a stressful time, but for scammers, it’s an opportunity to prey on unsuspecting individuals. Tax fraud scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and falling victim can lead to financial loss and identity theft. Fortunately, by understanding the common scams and learning how to protect yourself, you can keep your information and finances safe. Here's what you need to know.

With the new year comes a new tax season… and cybercriminals attempting to scam unsuspecting people out of their identity and hard earned money.