Every year the IRS posts a list of the worst tax scams to educate and help taxpayers from falling victim to these costly schemes. The “Dirty Dozen” list changes slightly from year to year, as fraudsters try to develop new ways to con unsuspecting taxpayers. However, you can protect yourself by remembering these key things.
The IRS:
- will never text you.
- will never contact you via social media. (They’re not going to friend you on Facebook!)
- will never email you and ask for your personal or financial information.
- will not ask you to pay using gift cards.
- will not ask for your credit or debit card number over the phone.
- will not call you and threaten to have you arrested or deported for not paying immediately.
If someone is contacting you to demand that you make an immediate payment, or to release confidential information for a refund, take caution! Do not give the impersonators your banking information or SSN via phone, email, text, or other forms of online communication.
Contact the IRS directly, or your trusted CPA to find out what you owe (or if you have a refund). Remember, these scams happen year-round, not just at tax deadlines!