global Tax Watch out for Scams this Tax Filing Season January 23, 2023 Attention taxpayers…be vigilant against tax scams this time of year. Filing season is always a popular time for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting taxpayers. We have some tips here. Happy Filing Season! Another tax season means another opportunity for scammers to try to steal money or personal information from unsuspecting taxpayers. Here’s how to stay vigilant. Is it the IRS or a scammer? Keep in mind that the IRS will never: Threaten arrest or police/law enforcement involvement if you do not payPress you to pay without allowing you to question or appeal what they claim you “owe”Call you about your tax refundDemand immediate payment through a gift card or wire transfer. If you receive communication from the “IRS” via email, phone, social media or text, it is a scam! Do not open any links or call numbers in these messages. If the IRS needs to contact you, they will usually send a message through the mail. Reporting a scam If you receive a threatening phone call from the phony IRS—take the number down and hang up immediately. You can report the call through the hotline page of Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (look under “IRS scams and Fraud” to find the instructions) or by calling 800-366-4484. It’s also wise to report the phony IRS number to phishing@irs.gov. Remember to put “IRS phone scam” in the subject line. Stay safe this filing season! Wondering if a call, text or email you’ve received is safe or a scam? We can help. Reach out to us.
