Reverse a Fraudulent Tax Return or Refund

The tax authority will lock the account and start a recovery process if you act fast.

What to do

UK: report to HMRC's Fraud Hotline and complete a 'Fraudulent self-assessment' report
AU: ring the ATO Client Identity Support Centre and ask for an Identity Crime case manager
US: file IRS Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) and request an IP PIN
Restore the correct bank account, address and contact details on the tax portal
Keep all reference numbers; ask for written confirmation that the fraudulent return is being investigated

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Founder, CyberSecurityGuides

Founder of CyberSecurityGuides, writing practical, jargon-free guides that help everyday people recover from and protect against online attacks.

Reviewed by CSG Security Engineers