Tax season can be a stressful time for many people, and online tax scams only add to the anxiety. These scams aim to steal your personal information, defraud you, or both. In this article, we will discuss common online tax scams, how to identify them, and what you can do to avoid falling victim to these schemes.
There are several types of online tax scams that you should be aware of:
Phishing scams involve criminals sending seemingly legitimate emails or messages that attempt to trick you into providing your personal information. In the context of tax scams, these emails may appear to come from the IRS or a tax preparation company.
Tax identity theft occurs when a criminal steals your Social Security number and other personal information to file a fraudulent tax return in your name, claiming a refund.
Some scammers pose as tax preparation professionals to steal your personal information or charge you for services they never provide.
Scammers may create fake charities or pose as representatives of legitimate organizations, asking for donations and attempting to take advantage of your generosity during tax season.
In these scams, criminals pretend to be IRS agents, contacting you via phone, email, or text message and demanding immediate payment for alleged tax debts, often using threats or intimidation.
Recognizing the warning signs of online tax scams can help you avoid falling victim to these schemes:
The IRS will never initiate contact with you via email, text message, or social media. Any unsolicited communication claiming to be from the IRS should be treated as suspicious.
Be cautious of any communication asking for personal or financial information, such as your Social Security number or bank account details. The IRS will not request this information through email or text message.
Scammers often use high-pressure tactics, such as threatening legal action or imprisonment, to coerce you into providing information or making payments. The IRS will not threaten you or demand immediate payment in this manner.
The IRS will never ask you to make payments using gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers. Any request for such payment methods should be considered a red flag.
Carefully examine the sender’s email address and any links included in the message. Scammers often use addresses or URLs that are similar to legitimate ones but contain slight discrepancies.
Follow these guidelines to protect yourself from online tax scams:
Stay informed about the latest tax scams and fraud prevention measures by checking the IRS website and other reliable sources.
Make sure to use a reputable tax preparation service or professional to help with your taxes. Verify their credentials and check for any complaints or disciplinary actions against them.
Take steps to safeguard your personal information by using strong, unique passwords for your online accounts, enabling multi-factor authentication, and being cautious about sharing your information online.
As mentioned earlier, the IRS will not initiate contact with you via email, text message, or social media. Treat any unsolicited communication claiming to be from the IRS with skepticism.
Before making a donation, research the charity to ensure it is legitimate. Use resources like the IRS’s Tax-Exempt Organization Search or websites like Charity Navigator and GuideStar to verify the organization’s tax-exempt status and reputation.
If you think you’ve encountered an online tax scam or have been a victim of one, take these steps:
If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from the IRS, do not click on any links or open any attachments. Instead, forward the email to phishing@irs.gov and then delete it.
If you’ve been contacted by someone claiming to be from the IRS and you suspect it’s a scam, report the incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at www.tigta.gov or by calling 1-800-366-4484.
If you believe you’re a victim of tax identity theft, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.identitytheft.gov and contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490.
If you’ve encountered a fraudulent tax preparer, file a complaint with the IRS using Form 14157, Complaint: Tax Return Preparer, which can be found on the IRS website.
To report a suspected fake charity, file a complaint with the IRS using Form 13909, Tax-Exempt Organization Complaint (Referral) Form, which is also available on the IRS website.
By staying informed about common online tax scams, learning to recognize the warning signs, and following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can protect yourself and your personal information from cybercriminals during tax season. Always remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities to help combat these scams and keep your financial information secure.
In the digital era, securing your finances against online fraud is paramount. Before making any financial transactions on a website or platform, it's important to verify its credibility and legitimacy. To begin, you can check if the website you're considering appears on our public database of known scam sites by clicking "View Scam Sites" below. This database is regularly updated and maintained by our team. Alternatively, you can click "Submit a Request" below to complete a form and request an evaluation from our team of experts. We will conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine if the website is legitimate, checking for any scams, fraud, or illegal activities. Don't take any unnecessary risks with your finances - take action today and submit a request or view our list of scam sites.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
