3 Ways Scammers Are Targeting Taxpayers in 2024

Every year when tax season rolls around, opportunistic scammers prey on unsuspecting taxpayers in new ways. This year, fraudsters are contacting would-be victims through by mail, text, email, and phone calls. To help keep you and your money safe, we’ve rounded up details on three scams to watch for – and how you can outsmart them.

• Fake tax refunds by email or text: Scammers are sending messages urging the reader to follow online links to your “tax refund e-statement” or “fill out a form to get your refund.” By clicking on that malicious link, scammers could steal your identity or install malware on your device. (Source: Consumer.FTC.gov)
  • Avoid it! The IRS will never contact you by email, text message, or social media. If you get a message like this, don’t click on any links and delete the message.
• Mailings related to “unclaimed funds”: This scam might arrive in your actual mailbox. The IRS says scammers are sending mailings in cardboard envelopes from a delivery service with a letter containing the IRS logo. The letter claims that you are owed a refund and encourages you to provide sensitive information. (Source: IRS.gov)
  • Avoid it! While you might recognize the IRS logo, the letter contains other warning signs, including odd punctuation and a mixture of fonts. If you aren’t sure if it’s really the IRS, call the agency’s official customer service number: (800) 829-1040.
• IRS impersonation telephone scams: You may receive a phone call from someone claiming to be the IRS. The caller may know a lot about you – and the caller ID could even be altered to appear to really be the IRS. Then you’ll be told that you owe money to the IRS, and that you need to pay it through a gift card or wire transfer or face legal trouble. (Source: IRS.gov)
  • Avoid it! The IRS never calls and demands immediate payment in the form of prepaid debit cards, gift cards, or wire transfer – and they won’t threaten to bring in police to arrest you for not paying. If you owe any taxes, the first notice you’ll generally receive is a bill in the mail.

By remaining informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself from falling victim to tax-related scams. Visit the Education Center at FIBT.com for even more tips on keeping your finances safe and secure!