Tax season is a target for cybercriminals using phishing scams to steal W-2s and sensitive data.Recognizing red flags and understanding how W-2 phishing scams work is crucial for protection.Phishing emails imitate official sources and urge recipients to reveal sensitive information.Features of phishing emails include urgency, official logos, and deceptive links or attachments.W-2 phishing scams have surged, leading to financial losses, identity theft, and data breaches.The impact includes fraudulent tax filings, credit account misuse, and lengthy recovery processes.To avoid W-2 phishing scams, improve digital literacy, update security software, and backup data.Filing tax returns early, avoiding suspicious emails, and using VPNs and 2FA enhance security.In case of falling victim to a W-2 scam, act swiftly by notifying relevant authorities and taking preventive steps.Protecting financial data during tax season requires ongoing vigilance and prompt action when detecting threats.