Posted On: January 30, 2026 by The Peoples Community Bank in: Financial Tips, Fraud, Taxes
A Simple Way to Protect Your Tax Refund This Year
By: Quinn B. Christensen, SVP – Chief Information Officer
Fraud prevention doesn’t have to be overwhelming; it often begins with a few practical habits that make a real difference. Tax season is no different.
Unfortunately, criminals know that this time of year can be the “perfect storm” for identity theft. If someone gets a hold of your personal information, they may try to file a tax return in your name — and claim your refund before you ever get the chance.
The good news? The IRS offers a free tool that can make a huge difference in preventing tax fraud — and it only takes a few minutes to set up.
Meet your IRS IP PIN (it’s like a lock on your tax return)
The IRS Identity Protection PIN, also known as an IP PIN, is a special six-digit number that helps prove you are really you when filing your federal tax return.
This two-factor authentication process acts like a
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