As the tax deadline approaches, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is warning taxpayers about common scams to avoid during filing season. Tax returns are due by April 15 in most states, with the exceptions of Maine and Massachusetts, which have a deadline of April 17 due to state holidays. The IRS is issuing warnings to help keep taxpayer information safe from criminals as Americans prepare to file their taxes. The Dirty Dozen campaign, first issued in 2002, lists 12 common scams that taxpayers and professionals should be aware of. For 2024, the IRS is warning of “evolving” phishing and smishing scams that aim to steal important information from taxpayers.
Phishing scams involve fraudsters sending emails pretending to be the IRS, using various tactics to lure victims into providing personal information. This can include promises of a fake tax refund or threats of legal action for tax fraud. Smishing is similar, but involves sending SMS messages with alarming language to trick recipients into believing their information or accounts have been compromised. Both scams can result in sensitive information being stolen if recipients are not cautious. The IRS advises anyone who receives a suspicious message to never click on any unsolicited communication claiming to be from the IRS, as it could install malware or ransomware onto their device.
If you receive a suspicious message, the IRS recommends forwarding it to phishing@irs.gov and then deleting the message from your inbox. If you have clicked on any links in a suspicious email or website and provided confidential information, the IRS suggests visiting their identity protection page for further guidance. The agency emphasizes that they will never initiate contact with taxpayers via email, text, or social media regarding bills or tax refunds, with most communication being done through regular mail. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel warns that scammers are relentless in their attempts to obtain sensitive financial and personal information, often using the IRS as a tactic to trick people.
It is essential for taxpayers to remain cautious and vigilant when it comes to communicating with the IRS or providing personal information online. Scammers are constantly trying new tactics to obtain sensitive data, and impersonating the IRS is a common strategy they use. By being extra cautious about unsolicited messages and avoiding clicking on links in suspicious emails or texts, taxpayers can protect themselves from falling victim to these scams. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a message claiming to be from the IRS, it is best to err on the side of caution and report it to the IRS for verification. By staying informed and taking proactive steps to protect your information, you can avoid falling prey to tax scams during filing season.
