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Scams to Look Out for During Tax Season (And How to Protect Yourself)

Tax Season Scams Are on the Rise

Every year during tax season, scammers ramp up efforts to steal personal information, tax refunds, and stimulus payments from individuals, families, and small businesses. These scams often impersonate the IRS, tax preparers, or financial institutions and can arrive via email, phone calls, text messages, or social media.

Knowing what to watch for is the best way to protect yourself and your finances.

Common Tax Season Scams to Watch Out For

1️⃣ IRS Impersonation Scams

Scammers pose as IRS agents, claiming you owe back taxes or penalties and demanding immediate payment.

🚩 Red Flags

Threats of arrest, deportation, or license suspension Requests for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer Robocalls or aggressive language

✅ What to Know

The IRS never initiates contact by phone, text, email, or social media.

2️⃣ Phishing Emails & Fake IRS Messages

Fraudulent emails and texts claim to be from the IRS or tax software companies and ask you to “verify” information.

🚩 Red Flags

Misspelled URLs or suspicious links Requests for Social Security numbers or banking info Urgent subject lines like “Immediate Action Required”

✅ Tip

Never click unknown links. The IRS communicates primarily by U.S. mail.

3️⃣ Fake Tax Preparers

Unlicensed or dishonest preparers may promise huge refunds or charge fees based on your refund amount.

🚩 Red Flags

Refusal to sign your tax return Asking you to sign a blank return Requests to deposit refunds into their own account

✅ Tip

Use an IRS-credentialed tax professional and verify credentials at IRS.gov.

4️⃣ Refund Theft & Identity Theft

Scammers file fraudulent returns using stolen personal information to claim refunds.

🚩 Red Flags

IRS notice stating a return was already filed Unexpected refund deposits Denied e-filing due to duplicate filing

✅ Tip

File early and use an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN).

5️⃣ Fake Charity Scams

Scammers exploit generosity by creating fake charities, especially after disasters or during crises.

🚩 Red Flags

Pressure to donate immediately Requests for donations via cash, gift cards, or apps No official charity documentation

✅ Tip

Verify charities through the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search.

6️⃣ Unemployment & Benefit Fraud

Scammers may claim you owe taxes on unemployment benefits you never received—or try to steal your information.

🚩 Red Flags

Unexpected tax forms Requests to “correct” benefit information via email or text

How to Protect Yourself During Tax Season

✔ File your taxes early

✔ Use strong, unique passwords

✔ Enable multi-factor authentication

✔ Secure personal documents

✔ Monitor bank and credit activity

✔ Use reputable tax software or certified professionals

What to Do If You’re Targeted by a Tax Scam

Report phishing emails to phishing@irs.gov Report scams to ReportFraud.ftc.gov Monitor your credit reports Contact the IRS Identity Theft Unit if affected

Stay Alert, Stay Protected

Tax season is stressful enough without falling victim to fraud. Staying informed and cautious can help protect your identity, finances, and peace of mind.

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