Identity Thieves Target Taxpayers and Tax Professionals
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is urging taxpayers and tax professionals to stay vigilant against emerging scams and protect sensitive information as the filing season draws near. The IRS released this warning during National Tax Security Awareness Week, in collaboration with its Security Summit partners, which include 42 state tax agencies and various entities in the tax community.
IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel emphasized the relentless nature of identity thieves and their use of various techniques to deceive individuals. He urged people to exercise caution with their personal information and remain cautious of email and text scams.
Scammers Exploit Tax Season to Pose as IRS and Others
Werfel further explained that scammers often pose as the IRS, state tax agencies, or other entities in the tax industry to take advantage of people’s anticipation for tax refunds or seek information during tax season. He warned taxpayers to be extremely wary of unexpected messages, as they could be elaborate traps set by scam artists.
The IRS highlighted that identity thieves also exploit recent news events and tragedies to manipulate taxpayers. Additionally, one common scam involves fraudsters contacting tax professionals, pretending to be potential clients, in an attempt to gain access to the professionals’ systems and file fake tax returns for refunds.
Phishing and Smishing Attacks
Taxpayers need to be cautious of phishing emails and smishing messages sent by fraudsters claiming to be from the IRS or other legitimate entities. These deceptive communications may promise phony tax refunds or make false allegations of tax fraud to lure unsuspecting victims.
The IRS advises individuals to never respond to tax-related phishing or smishing messages and to avoid clicking on any URL links. Instead, they should report the scams by forwarding the email or attaching a copy of the text/SMS to [email protected].
Be Wary of Unsolicited Communications
The IRS reminds taxpayers that most of its contacts are initiated through regular mail. Therefore, receiving unexpected messages by email, text, or social media regarding bills or tax refunds is highly suspicious.
Partners in the IRS Security Summit also emphasize the importance of not clicking on any unsolicited communications claiming to be from the IRS or other entities in the tax community. Such links can potentially load malware onto the device or allow hackers to install ransomware, effectively denying access to the device owner’s system or files.
By staying vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity, taxpayers can protect themselves from falling victim to scams during the upcoming tax filing season.