Tax season can already feel overwhelming. Between gathering documents, filing on time, and waiting for your refund, there’s a lot on your plate. Unfortunately, scammers know this and often use tax season as an opportunity to trick people into sharing personal or financial information.
The good news is that a little awareness goes a long way. Knowing what to look out for can help you stay one step ahead and keep your money safe.
Scammers often pretend to be trusted sources like the IRS, tax preparation services, or even employers. Here are a few common tax-related scams we see this time of year.
You may receive a phone call, text, or email claiming to be from the IRS saying you owe money, there’s an issue with your return, or your refund has been delayed. These messages often rely on fear and urgency to get you to act quickly.
It’s important to know that the IRS will never contact you by text, email, or social media to demand payment or personal information.
These messages may look official and include logos or familiar language. They often ask you to click a link to verify your information or check the status of your refund. Those links can lead to fake websites designed to steal your Social Security number, login credentials, or banking details.
Some scammers pose as tax professionals, promising fast refunds or unusually low fees. In reality, they may file fraudulent returns in your name or disappear after collecting your personal information.
If someone gains access to your personal information, they may file a tax return before you do and redirect your refund to an account you don’t control.
While scams can take many forms, they often share the same warning signs. Be cautious if someone:
Pressures you to act immediately
Threatens legal action or arrest
Requests payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
Asks for sensitive information out of the blue
Avoids providing written details or proof
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to slow down and take a closer look. You can also review common scam patterns and warning signs in our Fraud & Security Resources.
A few simple steps can help reduce your risk of falling for a tax-related scam:
File your taxes early when possible
Use a trusted, reputable tax preparer and verify their credentials
Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unexpected messages
Keep personal and financial information secure
Use strong, unique passwords for financial and tax-related accounts
If you think you’ve been targeted by a tax scam or accidentally shared information, act quickly. Contact your financial institution right away so steps can be taken to help protect your accounts. You should also report the incident to the IRS and keep an eye on your credit for unusual activity.
Scams can be convincing, especially during busy times like tax season. If you ever receive a message that doesn’t sit right or have questions about a potential scam, reach out to us. We’re always here to help you protect your finances and feel confident about your next steps.
For more fraud and scam tips, education, and trusted resources, visit our Fraud & Security Resources to learn how to protect yourself year-round.