Tax Season Scams: Don’t Let Fraudsters Cash in on Your Refund
Tax season is stressful enough without adding fraud to the mix. Unfortunately, scammers don’t take breaks. In fact, they ramp things up when tax time rolls around, using slick tricks to steal your hard-earned cash and personal info. But don’t worry—Volt Credit Union has your back. We’ve put together some tips to help you dodge these scams and keep your wallet safe.
Common Income Tax Scams to Watch For:
Phishy Emails & Texts:
If you get a random message from someone claiming to be the IRS asking for personal info—don’t bite. The IRS doesn’t slide into your DMs or send surprise emails. Don’t click links, open attachments, or reply if you weren’t expecting anything. Curious about phishing scams? Check out our Protect Yourself From Phishing blog for more.
Phone Impersonators:
Fraudsters may call, pretending to be IRS agents, and use scare tactics like threats of arrest. If someone’s getting shouty about back taxes over the phone, hang up. The IRS isn’t in the business of making threatening phone calls.
Fake Tax Pros:
Not all tax preparers are created equal. Some scammers pose as pros, offering discount services only to swipe your refund or steal your data. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Refund Hijackers:
Some scammers file fake tax returns under your name to steal your refund. You find out when the IRS rejects your legit return for being a duplicate. Rude, right? Filing early can help stop this in its tracks.
Social Media Shenanigans:
Scammers advertise bogus “stimulus payments” or “instant refunds” on social media to lure victims. If a random post is promising quick cash, it’s likely a trap.
How to Stay Scam-Free:
Know How the IRS Rolls:
The IRS doesn’t email, text, or slide into your social media messages to request personal info. They’ll send a letter (yep, snail mail). If you get a sketchy call, hang up and check the IRS website for real contact info.
File Early, Stress Less:
Filing your taxes early gives scammers less time to play games with your info. Plus, it means you get your refund sooner. Win-win!
Secure Your Network:
If you’re filing online, use a secure, password-protected Wi-Fi network. Bonus points for enabling two-factor authentication on your tax prep accounts.
Shred the Evidence:
When you’re done filing, shred any tax-related documents you don’t need. If you’re keeping them, store them somewhere safe—like a lockbox, not your junk drawer.
Monitor Your IRS Account:
Set up an IRS account to keep an eye on your filings and refunds. It’s like checking your bank balance—only it keeps scammers from stealing your refund.
Watch for Weird Tax Docs:
Get a tax form you didn’t request? Red flag. It might mean a scammer is using your info. Call the IRS at 800-908-4490 to double-check.
Report Suspicious Scams Here:
- IRS: www.irs.gov
- Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration: www.tigta.gov
- Federal Trade Commission: www.reportfraud.ftc.gov
Scammers thrive on fear and confusion—but you’re smarter than that. With Volt in your corner, you’ve got the tools to stay ahead of the game this tax season. Let’s keep your refund where it belongs: in your pocket!
