Tax season is a time when many people try to file their returns quickly and get their refunds. But it’s also a time when scammers become very active. The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) warns every year about fake phone calls, emails, and messages that are designed to steal people’s personal and financial information.
Many of these scams can look very real. Some use fear, others use excitement. But in the end, their goal is always the same — to trick you into giving them money or your Social Security number.
Here are some of the most common tax scams that people fall for—and why you should be careful.
Scam calls that pretend to be the IRS
One of the oldest and most common tax scams is a fake phone call. Someone might call and say they are from the IRS. They may claim you owe money and threaten to arrest you, take your driver’s license, or freeze your bank account.
Sometimes, the caller will speak in a serious voice and give you a fake badge number. They may even know part of your Social Security number or your full name.
But here’s what you should know:
The IRS will never call you and threaten you. They do not demand payment by phone, and they will not ask you to pay using gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers. If someone does this, hang up immediately. It’s a scam.
Fake emails that look real
Another trick scammers use is email. These fake emails may say they’re from the IRS or another government office. They may tell you there’s a problem with your tax return or that you’re getting a refund. Some even say your tax account has been hacked.
The email might ask you to click a link to “verify your information” or “update your details.” But when you click, the link takes you to a fake website that looks like the real IRS site. It will ask for your name, Social Security number, and bank information.
These fake websites are designed to steal your identity. The IRS calls this type of scam “phishing” — and they warn people not to click on strange links or give out personal information by email.
Read this later:
Tax preparers you shouldn’t trust
Some people hire tax preparers to help them file their taxes. But not all tax preparers are honest. Some of them will take your private information and use it to commit fraud. Others may lie on your tax return to make it look like you’re getting a bigger refund — just so they can charge you more money.
The IRS says you should only work with trusted tax professionals. A good preparer will always sign the return and include their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). If they refuse to do that or tell you not to look at the return before signing, that’s a red flag.
False promises of “big refunds”
Scammers often use the promise of big refunds to get your attention. They may tell you that you qualify for money under tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit, even if you don’t. Then, they file a fake return in your name and try to steal the refund — or charge you for their “help.”
When the IRS finds out the return is fake, you are the one who will be in trouble, not the scammer. You might have to return the money and pay penalties.
Scams that target the elderly and immigrants
Scammers often go after people who may not know how the IRS works — especially the elderly or people who don’t speak English as a first language. They may use fear tactics, speak quickly, or threaten arrest. Sometimes they pretend to be from U.S. Immigration, not the IRS, and say the person will be deported unless they pay.
The IRS says this is illegal. They remind people that they will never demand payment or threaten arrest over the phone. All real contact from the IRS starts with a letter in the mail.
Identity theft and fake returns
Another common scam is when someone files a tax return in your name before you do. They steal your personal information, submit a return with false numbers, and claim your refund.
You won’t know it happened until you try to file your real return and the IRS tells you someone else already filed using your Social Security number.
This kind of identity theft is dangerous. It can take months to fix, and you might not get your refund on time. That’s why it’s important to file your return early — before scammers can beat you to it.
How to stay safe during tax season
The best way to avoid scams is to be careful with your personal information. Don’t give your Social Security number, bank account, or tax documents to anyone you don’t trust. If you get a strange email or phone call, don’t respond.
Here’s what the IRS says:
- They don’t call, email, or text to demand payment.
- They don’t ask for payment with gift cards or wire transfers.
- They don’t threaten people with jail or deportation.
- They always send a letter first if they need to contact you.
What to do if you think you’re being scammed
If you think someone is trying to scam you, report it right away. You can forward suspicious emails to [email protected] or call the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484.
If you’ve already given out personal information, you should contact the IRS and report identity theft. You may need to file a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, and take steps to protect your credit.
Read this later:
What happens when you change your filing status from single to Head of Household?
Stay alert—scammers don’t take breaks
Tax scams don’t just happen during tax season. Scammers try all year long, especially around times when tax rules or refund policies change. They know people are confused, and they try to take advantage of that.
That’s why the IRS keeps reminding people to stay alert. When in doubt, always check the official IRS website (irs.gov)
https://www.irs.gov/ or talk to a licensed tax professional.
Being smart about tax scams is the best way to protect yourself, your money, and your peace of mind. So if something feels off—trust your gut, and check before you act.
