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| As tax season picks up and more people focus on meeting deadlines and awaiting refunds, scammers see it as a perfect storm for scamming. That is why awareness is more important than ever to protect yourself against malicious scammers. Here are four major fraud tactics to watch out for during tax season: 1) Phishing emails and texts Fraudsters impersonating the IRS via email and text typically ask for sensitive information. These messages may even look convincing, featuring official logos, urgent language, and links that appear legitimate. How to protect yourself: Do not take the bait. The IRS typically contacts individuals via mail sent by the U.S. Postal Service. Any emails or texts by the IRS will always be done with your explicit permission. Always verify tax-related communication before responding by checking official channels. 2) Phone scams Scammers may call pretending to be IRS agents, threaten arrest or legal action over fabricated issues with your filing, and demand payment. How to protect yourself: The IRS never demands payment over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, hang up and call the official IRS phone numbers located on their website here. 3) Fraudulent tax services Scammers posing as tax professionals, known as ghost preparers, entice the target with promises of large refunds and fast service. They instead steal your personal data or submit false information to claim your refund. How to protect yourself: Research their credentials carefully. The IRS website contains a specific landing page to assist with choosing a tax professional, including providing information on tax preparer credentials and qualifications. In addition, the IRS website has a directory that consumers can utilize to find a qualified tax preparer near them. Beware of payment practices as well. Scammers typically ask for cash payments only and refuse to provide a receipt. Most legitimate tax professionals prefer electronic payments through official, secure channels and keep thorough documentation. And remember, if the refund amount offered sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 4) QR Codes Scammers impersonating the IRS are using QR codes in their emails to bypass spam filters, spread malware, and steal information. These QR codes can redirect victims to fake DocuSign or Microsoft login pages designed to capture credentials. How to protect yourself: Never click on links or scan QR codes in unsolicited emails, texts, or media. Examine the web address of any QR code you might scan. Many smartphones offer link previews associated with the QR code before they open. If the link does not look official or if something feels off, do not tap it. EdFed is here to help! If you fall victim to a scam or suspect your account has been compromised, contact EdFed's Member Contact Center at 305-270-5250 to report the incident and safeguard your account. |
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