Tax Scam Alert: Stay Protected
Tax season can be stressful, and unfortunately, scammers know this and like to trick you. Every year, individuals and businesses fall victim to tax-related scams that can force you to lose money, pay for subscriptions you never had, and in some cases legal trouble. It is important for you to educate yourself on what common scams look like and how to protect yourself from these scams.
Common Types of Tax Scams
- Phishing Emails and Calls
Scammers often pose as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or other tax authorities, sending emails, texts, or making calls that claim you owe money or are entitled to a refund. Some of these scams might seem legit, but it is important to double check the information before you respond. A few giveaways can include an unknown number with unverified check mark, an email filled with grammatical errors, or an email in your spam folder. - Fake Tax Preparers
Some fraudsters offer to file your taxes for a fee but then steal your personal data, inflate refunds, or pocket your refund entirely. They may also forge signatures or file false returns in your name. - Identity Theft
Criminals may use stolen personal information to file fraudulent tax returns and claim refunds. This often goes unnoticed until you try to file your legitimate return and the IRS alerts you of a duplicate filing. It is important that you do not give personal information such as passwords, social security, or photos of your passport. Because if this happens, it is easy for scammers to access your bank accounts and steal your money. - Impersonation Scams
Some scammers may impersonate IRS agents or law enforcement, claiming you owe back taxes and demanding payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or prepaid debit cards. Always know that IRS agents will never ask for your personal information through email, if you are really uncertain what to do next email your IRS agent’s company or create a help desk ticket. - Warning Signs of Tax Scams
- Emails asking for personal information like credit card, social security number, and bank number.
- Phone call numbers that you have not saved on your device
- Emails that have a lot of grammar issues, suspicious links, or no signature are usually clear signs of tax scams.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify Official Communication
The IRS and most legitimate tax authorities will first contact taxpayers by mail, not email or phone. If in doubt, check official government websites for contact information. - Secure Personal Information
Do not share Social Security numbers, bank account details, or passwords through email, phone, or text. - File Early
Filing early reduces the chance that scammers can submit a fraudulent return in your name. - Report Suspicious Activity
As a PSMail customer, make sure your Spam settings are enabled and you do not blindly allow all emails (disable spam protection). Report phishing emails that escape PSMail scanning to abuse@psmail.net. For IRS communications, forward phishing emails to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov and report phone scams via the IRS “IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting” page.
Conclusion
Tax scams are becoming more sophisticated and harder to recognize at a glance. Scammers often use urgency, official-sounding language, and convincing messages to pressure people into sharing personal information. Because of this, taking a moment to pause and look for common warning signs can make a big difference.
Simple habits can go a long way in protecting you. Be cautious of unexpected calls, especially from unknown numbers, and avoid responding to messages that ask for sensitive information. Remember that legitimate organizations will not ask for passwords, Social Security numbers, or other confidential details through unsolicited calls, texts, or emails.
By staying aware and following basic security practices, you can greatly reduce your risk and keep tax scams at bay. A little caution and knowledge can make all the difference.