It happens every April. Just as the anxiety of April 15 starts to fade, you’re contacted by the IRS. Or so it seems.
It could be an urgent phone call, email or text. You might be told you’re the target of a criminal investigation. Or you receive a larger than expected refund check. Or you owe a huge debt. Such communications include links to “verify” personal or banking information. They might also try to frighten you with threats of arrest or deportation unless you pay immediately with gift cards, prepaid debit cards or wire transfers.
It’s important to remember a few things. First, the IRS never asks for personal information by email or unsolicited calls. If you get an unexpected check, report it to the IRS. And make sure all websites end in ".gov" before entering any details.
If you receive a suspicious email, text or call, report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Five ways you can spot a tax scam after you’ve filed:
- You’re contacted by phone, email, text message or through social media The IRS always initiates contact with a letter, and they never request personal or financial information.
- You’re threatened With arrest, the loss of business or driver’s licenses or deportation unless you pay immediately. The IRS never demands payment immediately or threatens arrest.
- You’re asked to “verify” sensitive information online or through email links The IRS only communicates with taxpayers by official letters sent through the US Postal Service.
- You’re asked to pay a tax bill with untraceable methods Like gift cards, prepaid debit cards, cashier’s checks or wire transfers.
- You receive a surprise refund check An unexpected check or a significantly larger refund than you were expecting are huge red flags. Never attempt to cash these checks.
Keeping you alert to tax scams is another way Credit Union ONE is helping to protect you, your data and your finances.