Tax season can be stressful enough without the added worry of scammers trying to steal your personal information. Unfortunately, these criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their tactics, making it essential to stay informed and vigilant. The IRS has issued a strong warning about the growing number of scams targeting taxpayers. At FSL Tax and Accounting Services, we want to help you protect yourself from tax scammers and significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of tax-related fraud.

Phishing and Smishing: Don’t Bite the Hook

One of the most common scams involves phishing and smishing, which are fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information through email or text messages. Scammers often pose as the IRS, banks, or other trusted institutions to trick you into clicking on malicious links or downloading harmful attachments. These links can lead to fake websites that steal your personal information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, and passwords.

How to protect yourself:

• Be wary of unsolicited emails or texts asking for personal information.
• Never click on links or download attachments from unknown senders.
• Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts.
• Hover over links before clicking to verify the URL.
• Report all unsolicited emails claiming to be from the IRS using the IRS Report Phishing Tool. 

Fake Charities: Beware of Imposters

Scammers often capitalize on people’s generosity by creating fake charities to solicit donations. These fraudulent organizations may claim to help victims of natural disasters, veterans, or other worthy causes. Once they have your credit card information, they can use it for unauthorized purchases.

How to protect yourself:

• Research any charity before donating. Verify legitimate charities by searching the Tax-Exempt Organization Search Tool.
• Be cautious about unsolicited requests for donations.
• Donate directly to reputable organizations.

Online Help: Creating an IRS Account Safely

The IRS offers online tools to help taxpayers manage their accounts and access information. However, scammers may create fake websites that mimic the IRS’s official website to steal your personal information.

How to protect yourself:

• Only access your IRS account through the official IRS website.
• Be cautious of unsolicited emails or texts claiming to be from the IRS.
• Verify the website’s URL before entering any personal information.

Fake Tax Advice and AI Tools: Don’t Be Fooled

Social media platforms are rife with misleading tax advice and promises of quick refunds. As IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel warned, “Social media is an easy way for scammers and others to try encouraging people to pursue some terrible ideas, and that includes ways to magically increase your tax refund.” Scammers are also using AI tools to generate fake tax documents and advice.

How to protect yourself:

• Rely on trusted tax professionals for advice.
• Be skeptical of tax information found on social media.
• Verify the credentials of any tax preparer or advisor.

Remember: The IRS will never contact you via email, text, or social media to request personal information or payment – including requests for PINs, passwords, or similar access information for credit cards, banks, or other financial accounts. If you receive a suspicious communication, hang up the phone, delete the email, or ignore the text.

Your Trusted Tax Professional

FSL Tax and Accounting Services is committed to helping you navigate the complexities of the tax system. Our experienced professionals can provide reliable tax advice and help you avoid scams. Contact us today to schedule a consultation by calling 678-702-7218 or filling out our online inquiry form.

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional tax advice. Please consult with a tax professional for guidance on your specific situation.