Tax tips to help you avoid being scammed this tax season

Here’s a few ways to help you avoid the scammers this tax season. First, always remember that the IRS initiates contact via regular mail, not phone, email, text, or social media. Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto, and be wary of threats of immediate arrest or deportation.

Here’s a few more tips to protect yourself.

• Verify Communications: If contacted, do not trust the caller ID. Hang up and check your status at IRS.gov or call the IRS directly.
• Identify Scammer Tactics: Scammers often pressure you for immediate payment, demand specific, unusual payment methods, or threaten, rush, or, in some cases, promise unexpected refunds.
• Secure Personal Information: Use strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication for financial accounts.
• Beware of Phishing: Do not click links or open attachments in unexpected emails or texts, even if they look official.
• Choose Preparers Carefully: Use reputable tax professionals and check their credentials, as dishonest preparers can steal refunds or personal data.
• File Early: Filing early reduces the window for scammers to use your social security number to file a fraudulent return.
• Get an IP PIN: Apply for an IRS Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) to prevent someone else from filing a return in your name.