In This Article:
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Allstate Identity Protection survey finds nearly two-thirds (64%) of Americans are concerned scammers will steal their personal information to file a tax return and pocket the refund.
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Allstate Identity Protection guarantees members’ tax refunds are protected from fraud.
NORTHBROOK, Ill., March 20, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As tax season begins, new findings from Allstate Identity Protection reveal growing concerns about identity theft – yet many filers may be overlooking protections that can safeguard their personal information and refunds.
A new survey from Allstate Identity Protection finds that 64% of Americans worry scammers will steal their personal information, like their Social Security number, to file a tax return and pocket their refund.1
The rise in tax-related identity theft is real, with 40% of Allstate Identity Protection’s identity restoration cases reported during tax season alone.2
"Tax season is prime time for identity theft, with refunds on the line that are often worth thousands," said Caroline Slane, senior vice president of business operations at Allstate Identity Protection. "We help people take control before fraud happens and get their life back on track when it does."
An overlooked benefit that protects your tax refund
Many people turn to identity monitoring services, but possible overlooked benefits in a plan can offer another strong safety net. In fact, two-thirds (66%) of Americans say they’d pay for a service like Allstate Identity Protection that guarantees their tax refund is protected from fraud with features that:
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Advance impacted members’ refunds, so they don’t wait years to get their money back.
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Reimburse members’ identity theft-related costs up to $1 million, including legal fees and lost wages.
New this year: Allstate now offers an identity restoration plan with a dedicated specialist to help members recover stolen identities, restore credit and secure accounts. Plans start at just $3/month.
How bad is it? Americans say they’d rather…
With victims waiting nearly two years to recover stolen tax refunds, Americans say they’d rather deal with major financial setbacks than fall victim to fraud:
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Lose their wallet with all of their credit cards (59%).
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Have their phone hacked (58%).
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See their credit score drop 100 points overnight (58%).
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Lose their job unexpectedly (54%).
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Have their bank account drained (52%).
A growing concern, but few are taking action
One in five Americans (20%) say they’re more worried about tax-related identity theft this year, and 44% say their concern is just as high as previous years. Americans’ identity theft fears are primarily driven by: