IRS Launches “Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself” Campaign Amid Rising Identity Theft Threats

With identity theft scams growing more sophisticated each year, the IRS and its Security Summit partners have launched their annual “Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself” summer campaign—aimed at helping tax professionals defend themselves and their clients from new and ongoing security threats.

Now in its tenth year, this collaborative effort brings together the IRS, state tax agencies, and the broader tax industry to raise awareness of tax-related identity theft and offer actionable steps for protection.

A 5-Part Summer Series Kicks Off

The campaign features a five-part series of biweekly news releases, with each installment offering insights and security tips tied to current threats in the industry. The series launched alongside the IRS Nationwide Tax Forums, starting July 1 in Chicago, and continuing across several U.S. cities through mid-September.

Week One Focus: New & Emerging Scams

The first release of the campaign shines a light on new and evolving scams specifically targeting tax professionals. Some of the major threats include:

🚨 “New Client” Spear Phishing Attacks

Scammers pose as potential clients looking for tax help, but their goal is to steal sensitive information through fake emails or messages.

🚨 Credential Phishing

Fraudsters are aggressively targeting EFINs, PTINs, and CAF numbers—key credentials used by tax professionals to access and manage IRS accounts and client data.

🚨 Social Engineering Scams

Criminals are using fake IRS letters generated with AI, phony tax debt relief calls, and text/email scams to extract Social Security numbers and other sensitive information.

🚨 Misleading Tax Advice on Social Media

Schemes promoting falsified W-2 forms or illegitimate tax credits—like the Fuel Tax Credit or Sick and Family Leave Credit—are spreading online and misleading taxpayers and tax pros alike.

How Tax Pros Can Protect Themselves

If you suspect your office has experienced a data breach:

• Contact your local IRS Stakeholder Liaison immediately.

• Report the incident to your state tax agency via the Federation of Tax Administrators' Data Breach page.

• Review the FTC’s Data Breach Response Requirements to ensure compliance and best practices.

  
  

Early reporting allows the IRS to take steps to block fraudulent returns and help you through the recovery process.

Don’t Miss the Forums

The IRS is featuring security sessions at all Nationwide Tax Forums, which continue in:

• 📍 New Orleans – August 5

• 📍 Orlando – August 26

• 📍 Baltimore – September 9

• 📍 San Diego – September 16

  
  

These forums are also a great opportunity to stay current with best practices, connect with peers, and explore new tools and software.

Stay Informed. Stay Secure.

Tax professionals remain one of the most targeted groups by identity thieves. This campaign is a powerful reminder that staying vigilant, informed, and proactive is the best defense.

To follow the full “Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself” summer series and learn more about how you can secure your practice, visit IRS.gov.

---

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal tax advice. Advanced Tax Solutions is not liable or responsible for any damages resulting from or related to your use of this information. It is your responsibility to refer to official IRS documentation for information regarding any tax laws or tax information shown here.