Tax season is here, bringing a wave of both new and familiar scams. It’s that time of year when we gather our financial paperwork, hope for a nice refund, and sadly, try to dodge a surge of cyber scams.
While we are busy crunching numbers, scammers are hard at work trying to steal our personal information. However, with a little vigilance and some smart moves, we can protect our hard-earned money from digital tricksters.
Common Tax Season Cyber Scams
1. Phishing for Trouble
If you get an email or text from the “IRS” demanding immediate payment, slow down! The real IRS won’t contact you out of the blue via email, text, or social media. Clicking on those links could install malware on your device or expose your personal data to criminals.
Stay Safe: Never click on links in unsolicited emails. Instead, visit IRS.gov directly to verify information.
2. The Fake Tax Preparer Trap
Not all tax preparers are created equal. Some scammers pose as tax professionals, file fraudulent returns, and redirect refunds to their own accounts. Not exactly the financial surprise you were hoping for!
Stay Safe: Always check a preparer’s credentials through the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers before handing over your information.
3. “We Need Your Social Security Number… Now”
Identity thieves love to pose as IRS agents, demanding personal details over the phone. They may even threaten you with jail time – don’t fall for it!
Stay Safe: The IRS won’t call and demand immediate payment or ask for your Social Security number. Be skeptical, hang up, and report the call to the IRS.
4. Fake Refund and Stimulus Check Scams
Getting a surprise message about an unexpected refund? It’s probably a scam. Scammers lure victims by promising extra tax refunds or stimulus payments—only to steal their financial data.
Stay Safe: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Check the status of your tax return only at IRS.gov.
Best Practices for a Scam-Free Tax Season
File Early: Beat scammers to it! If they attempt to file a fraudulent return using your identity, they’ll be out of luck if you’ve already submitted yours.
Use Strong Passwords: If you file online, ensure your tax software and email accounts are locked down with strong, unique passwords.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication: Adding an extra layer of security (like a one-time passcode) makes it harder for criminals to access your accounts.
Shred Old Tax Documents: Don’t let dumpster-diving criminals get their hands on sensitive paperwork. Consider using the shredding services provided by Oakland County, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, and various local communities within the county.
Beware of Fake Tax Prep Services: Stick to trusted and reputable tax preparers, and verify their credentials before sharing any personal information.
Report Scams and Stay Informed
- If you suspect a scam, report it to the IRS or https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ reportfraud.ftc.gov .
- Check out more security tips at StaySafeOnline.org.
By staying informed and being cautious, you can avoid scammers and keep tax season stress-free!
Learn more about Oakland County’s Information Security Office here. Visit their Citizen Cyber Training portal for online education and online cybersecurity resources to help understand risks and be better prepared for a more secure online experience.
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