Tax season is in full swing. That means a lot of sensitive information is changing hands, and unfortunately, scammers are out in full force doing whatever they can to steal it from you. Here are some tips to protect yourself.
$1,400 Stimulus Check Scam
This one is pretty popular right now. You receive a text that appears to be from the IRS claiming you’re eligible to receive a $1,400 Economic Impact Payment. The text provides a link for you to share your personal information and says the money will be deposited into your bank account, or a check will be mailed to you. The link takes you to an imposter website that looks like the IRS website, but is not. Do NOT click on this link or share personal information. According to the IRS, this is a real payment, but if you qualify for it, the payment will be sent to you automatically. No action is required.
Tip: The IRS will NEVER send you a text or email. Always verify these messages by contacting the IRS directly through its official website or phone numbers – not a link you receive in an email or text.
Fake Tax Preparer Scam
Scammers are posing as seasoned tax professionals offering low-cost or expedited tax filing services to consumers. When they get access to your personal information, they either file false tax returns in your name or steal your tax refund.
Tip: Legitimate tax preparers are pretty busy this time of year – most likely too busy to be cold calling to solicit your business. This is a red flag in and of itself. They may also try to convince you to hire them by promising unrealistic refunds. Nobody, not even the IRS itself, can know if you’re getting a refund until they have access to your personal financial information. Always ask tax preparers for credentials, like a Preparer Tax Identification Number. You should also read reviews and get references from people you actually know before hiring someone to prepare and file your taxes.
IRS Imposter Phone Calls
This is an older scam, but unfortunately, it’s still effective. Scammers call consumers posing as IRS agents. They claim you owe back taxes or penalties and try to scare you by threatening to arrest you if you don’t pay them immediately. They demand you pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Some of these callers even change their caller ID to make it look like they are calling from the IRS.
Tip: The IRS will never call you demanding immediate payment, and they certainly do not accept payments in gift cards or cryptocurrency. If you receive a call like this, hang up immediately.
It’s sad that we have to spend so much time and energy educating ourselves on how to avoid scams. However, the more information you have, the better equipped you are to protect yourself and your money. We will always do our part to help you. It’s also important to help yourself avoid these scams.
For more IRS scams and how to prevent them, visit this page on the IRS website.
