Scammers Are Cashing In On Tax Season

Another season—another reason for scammers to ramp up their tactics. Every year, thousands fall victim to tax-related fraud, with fraudsters impersonating the IRS and tricking people into handing over sensitive information and/or making fraudulent payments. It's important to remember the IRS will never call, email, or text demanding immediate payment or delivering threats of arrest or deportation.  Scammers have advanced their tactics, but being aware of common scams and red flags can help keep you protected during Tax Season.

IRS Impersonation Calls, Emails & Texts

One of the most common tactics scammers use is fraudulent phone calls, texts, and emails impersonating an IRS official. They typically claim they have caught an issue on your tax return, and that you owe money. This is usually followed by an urgent demand for payment and a threat if you do not pay in a timely manner. Payment demands are usually requested through gift cards, cryptocurrency, and wire transfers—all methods that are nearly impossible to trace or recover.

What to do if you receive:

• If called, hang up immediately. Delete emails and text messages. Do not engage with the sender or press any buttons/links.
• View your tax account information online or review payment options to see the actual amount you (may or may not) owe on the IRS website.
• Report the call to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).
• Report calls to phising@irs.gov (Subject: IRS Phone Scam)

Tax Refund & Identity Theft Scams

Some scammers are able to file fraudulent tax returns using stolen Social Security numbers and other sensitive information in the victims' names. By the time the real taxpayer files their return, the IRS rejects their return because one in their name has already been processed.

Preventative measures:

• Get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) to prevent tax scammers from filing a return in your name.
• Set up an IRS tax account—a secure account protected with multifactor authentication. Only you can access your account and monitor activity anytime.

We're Here to Help

If you’re ever unsure whether a message or call is legitimate, reach out to us first. We’re happy to walk through it with you and help verify anything suspicious. Your financial well-being is important to us—not just during tax season, but year-round.