Spring is in the air, and so are the cybercriminals looking to cash in on tax season.
Every year, scammers attempt to steal personal information and tax refunds. They may even steal entire identities. Staying informed is your best defense.
Scam #1: Phishy “IRS” Emails and Texts
Be wary of emails or texts claiming to be from the IRS. They may promise a refund or threaten legal action. If they do, hit delete. These scams try to trick you into clicking on malicious links. They also want you to share your personal information.
Red Flags:
- Emails claiming you’re due for a big tax refund or owe back taxes.
- Texts warning of “unusual activity” on your IRS account, urging you to click a link.
- Messages pressuring you to act immediately or face penalties.
Stay Safe:
- The IRS never initiates contact via email, text, or social media.
- Avoid clicking on links—go directly to IRS.gov for official information.
- Report suspicious messages to phishing@irs.gov and delete them.
- Report suspicious emails received through your yale.edu address to Yale's Information Security Office.
Scam #2: The "Ghost" Tax Preparer
Most, but not all, tax professionals are legitimate. Some fraudsters pose as experts to steal your information or file false returns in your name. You may receive fake emails or see phony ads on social media sites advertising their services. These so-called “ghost” preparers refuse to sign the returns they prepare—a major red flag.
Red Flags:
- Preparers who charge based on the size of your refund (this is illegal).
- A tax preparer who asks you to sign a blank return or won’t let you review it.
- Someone who refuses to sign your return or provide their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). This is required by law.
Stay Safe:
- Always use a trusted, credentialed tax preparer.
- Never sign an incomplete return—review everything before filing.
- Check the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers to verify credentials.
Scam #3: IRS Impersonation Phone Calls
Scammers pretending to be IRS agents may call you. They may claim you owe taxes and demand immediate payment. They often use aggressive tactics such as threats of arrest, or revoking your driver’s license.
Red Flags:
- Demands for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or prepaid debit cards.
- Threats of legal action or arrest if you don’t comply.
- A call from someone claiming to be an IRS agent, especially if they seem aggressive.
Stay Safe:
- The IRS always contacts taxpayers by mail first—not by phone.
- If you get a suspicious IRS call, hang up immediately.
- Report the scam to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). You can also email details to phishing@irs.gov.
Stay Vigilant This Tax Season!
Scammers are hoping you’ll be too busy or distracted to notice their tricks. Take a moment to verify before you trust. A little caution now can save you from a financial headache later.
Want more cybersecurity tips to stay safe during tax season
- Review the IRS’s Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2025.
- Check out Yale’s Know Your Risk page for tips for keeping your sensitive data safe.
- Listen to our Bee Cyber Fit podcast episode, Steer Clear of IRS Tax Scams: How to Build Cyber-Safe Behavior During Tax Season, for more tips.