Tax scams are most prevalent during tax season, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Here are some tips to help you not fall victim to tax scams.
Scammers will use social media, email, phone calls, and text messages, claiming they are with the IRS. Any unprompted communication on these channels from someone claiming to represent the IRS are always a scam. Communication threatening arrest, asking for personal information, or demanding payments, are always a scam. Please report these immediately!
Protect your personal and financial information at home. If using a computer to store information, be sure your data is protected by using anti-spam/virus software, firewalls, secure networks, and frequently updated passwords.
Only provide financial and personal information when you initiate the contact or are sure who you know is asking.
The IRS will never call you demanding money. When receiving information, carefully examine the sender’s contact information and check for any grammatical errors. Please note to be extra cautious when clicking links in messages or downloading attachments.
Example IRS Phising Email
To report calls or any other IRS impersonation schemes, please call the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484 or go to https://www.tigta.gov.