Beware of Tax Scams: Cybercriminals Want Your Refund!

It’s that time of year – it’s tax season! While you’re gathering W-2s and crunching numbers, cybercriminals are sharpening their phishing hooks, hoping to reel in your personal information. Don't let them cash in on your hard-earned refund.

Common Tax Scams to Watch Out For:

• The “IRS” Calls You (Spoiler: It’s Not the IRS)
  If you get an urgent call demanding immediate payment or threatening arrest, hang up. The IRS doesn’t call, text, or email demanding money. If the IRS needs to contact you, they typically send letters through regular U.S. mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. You can verify if the IRS sent the letter or notice by searching for it on IRS.gov.
• “Click Here to Verify Your Tax Info” (Think before you click.)
  Scammers send fake IRS emails that look legitimate but contain malicious links. Clicking on the links can install malware or steal your login credentials. Always type in IRS.gov yourself instead of clicking links.
• The Tax Preparer Who’s “Too Good to Be True”
  If a tax preparer promises huge refunds or requests access to your bank account, stop communicating with them. Use trusted professionals and check their credentials at irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf.
• The W-2 Scam
  Scammers target HR and payroll departments by impersonating executives and requesting employee W-2s. This phishing attack can expose Social Security numbers and income data. If you handle tax forms, double-check requests before hitting “send.”

How to Stay Safe:

• File early. The sooner you file, the less time scammers have to file in your name.
• Use strong passwords. If you’re logging into a tax site, make sure your password isn’t “password123.” Use a strong, unique, complex password.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). Many tax services offer extra security. Use it!
• Verify before you trust. When in doubt, contact the IRS directly at irs.gov.

Need Legitimate Tax Help?
Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Check out their guide here.

Don’t let scammers turn tax season into a cybersecurity nightmare. Stay sharp and file smart.