March 18, 2022
Tax season is here, and tax-related scams are on the rise.
Common schemes during tax season include IRS impersonation scams, email schemes, text message and phone scams, and stolen tax refunds.
Scammers pose as IRS agents to try to steal money or personal information. The theft of personal information could lead to identify theft and enables scammers to file tax returns in victims’ names and steal their tax refund.
Descriptions of common scams, according to the IRS, include:
Text message scams
Text scams involve messages with malicious links that claim to be IRS websites or other online tools. The IRS doesn’t use texts (or social media platforms) to discuss personal tax issues, such as bills or refunds.
Email schemes
Email schemes involve victims receiving an unsolicited message appearing to be from the IRS or a program closely linked to the agency. The IRS doesn’t use email to request personal or financial information.
Phone scams
Scammers mask the true caller ID and the calls appear to be the IRS or a government agency. You may receive an urgent pre-recorded message requesting a call back and warning of criminal action if the callback is not made. The scammers may request payment for taxes or will ask you for personal or account information.
What you can do:
- File your taxes as soon as possible, before someone else does using your information.
- Do NOT click links or open attachments in unsolicited, suspicious, or unexpected text messages — whether from the IRS, state tax agencies or others in the tax community.
- Never share personal or account information over the phone.
- Do not send any forms of immediate payment using a specific payment method such as prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer.