Tax Scams

Recognize Common Tax Scams

• Impersonation Scams: Fraudsters may contact you pretending to be the IRS, demanding payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or other untraceable methods. Remember, the IRS will never initiate contact via phone, email, or social media for immediate payment or personal information.
• Refund and Credit Scams: Watch out for mail or emails claiming you have an unclaimed refund or qualify for credits like the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), often containing fake IRS contact information.
• Fake Charities: Scammers may pose as charitable organizations, especially after disasters, seeking donations that don’t go to the intended cause.

How to Stay Safe

• Secure Your Information: Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication on tax preparation platforms and other sensitive accounts.
• Verify Contacts: If you receive a suspicious call or email, do not provide personal information. Contact the IRS directly to verify the legitimacy of the request.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the latest scams and share this knowledge with peers.

If You Fall Victim

• Report identity theft to the IRS and FTC at IdentityTheft.gov.
• Respond promptly to any IRS notice by calling the IRS directly through their general assistance number, which is 1-800-829-1040.
• If you suspect a phishing or fraud attempt, report it to [email protected], [email protected], and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484.

Additional Tips

• Visit the IRS's Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft for more details on protecting yourself.
• Consider obtaining an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS for added security on your tax return.
   

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