Tax season is here, and so are the cybercriminals looking to cash in on your personal information. Each year, scammers find new ways to trick taxpayers, whether through fake IRS emails, urgent-sounding phone calls, or fraudulent tax preparers. Falling for these schemes can lead to identity theft, stolen refunds, and serious headaches.
The good news? A little caution goes a long way. Stay alert to these common tax scams and take steps to protect yourself.
1. Phishing and Smishing Scams: Fake IRS Messages
Scammers often impersonate the IRS or tax agencies through email (phishing) and text messages (smishing). Their goal? To steal your personal and financial data.
How they trick you
- Emails that claim you’re eligible for a big refund or owe back taxes.
- Texts warning that your account has been “put on hold” with a link to restore access.
- Urgent messages demanding immediate payment or threatening legal action.
How to protect yourself
- Never click on links in unsolicited emails or texts claiming to be from the IRS.
- The IRS will never initiate contact via email, text, or social media.
- Report suspicious messages to phishing@irs.gov and delete them.
2. IRS Impersonation Calls: The High-Pressure Scam
Scammers posing as IRS agents often call unsuspecting taxpayers, demanding payment and threatening consequences.
How they trick you
- They claim you owe money and must pay immediately via gift card, wire transfer, or pre-paid debit card.
- They threaten legal action, arrest, or revoking your driver’s license.
- They use fake caller IDs to make the call appear legitimate.
How to protect yourself
- Hang up immediately if you get a suspicious IRS-related call.
- Report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).
- Forward the scammer’s number to phishing@irs.gov with “IRS Phone Scam” in the subject line.
- Report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
3. Ghost Tax Preparers: Shady “Professionals”
Most tax preparers are legitimate, but some scammers pose as professionals to steal your information or overcharge for their services.
Red flags to watch for
- Preparers who charge based on your refund amount (a clear scam).
- “Ghost” preparers who complete your return but refuse to sign it (a major violation).
- Anyone who asks you to sign a blank or incomplete return.
How to protect yourself
- Use a tax preparer with an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) which is required by law.
- Always review your return before filing and never sign a blank form.
Final Thought: Stay Vigilant
Tax season is stressful enough—don’t let cybercriminals make it worse. By staying informed and cautious, you can keep your identity and refund secure.
Want more cybersecurity tips?
1. Review the IRS’s Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2025.
2. Check out Yale’s Know Your Risk page for tips to keep your sensitive data safe.
3. Listen to our Bee Cyber Fit podcast episode, Steer Clear of IRS Tax Scams: How to Build Cyber-Safe Behavior During Tax Season, for additional ways to protect your identity.
