09/20/2026
A friend told me someone stole his Social Security Number and filed a fake 2025 tax return, and he has been stuck in months of IRS paperwork trying to fix it.
Tax-related identity theft is real, but you can block scammers with a free IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). It’s a 6-digit code known only to you and the IRS—without it, no one can file a tax return using your SSN.
How to get yours in 5 minutes:
1️⃣ Log in to your account on IRS.gov
2️⃣ Go to Profile > Identity Protection PIN
3️⃣ Select Get an IP PIN
Choose the continuous option, and the IRS will automatically generate a new PIN each year, keeping your account protected without manual reapplication.
Protect your SSN before a scammer tries to use it!
