Tax season is already stressful for many people.
The last thing you need is a fake text about your tax return or a phone call claiming you owe money.
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Scammers rely on fear and confusion. Recognizing the most common tax scams can help you slow down, spot red flags and protect your personal information.
One of the most important things to understand is that the IRS will never contact you by text message, email or social media unless you have given them permission. Unfortunately, scammers use these methods to scare people into believing that there is a problem with their refund.
However, the scammer may try to tell you that you owe money. They want you to verify your information, which should be a clear sign that you’ve been scammed.
If you receive a text or email from someone claiming to be from the IRS, never click on the included links or provide any personal information. Instead, go directly to IRS.gov and check the status of your refund.
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The IRS may contact you by phone, but it often directs you to the IRS website to securely manage your account. It will never contact you to demand immediate payment or threaten arrest. If you get a call asking for a payment, hang up and go to IRS.gov to check your account.
Some scammers go beyond posing as the IRS and actually impersonate tax preparers. These individuals often promise you a large tax refund or charge a fee based on a percentage of your refund. They have also been known to ask you to sign a blank return to speed up the filing process or refuse to sign the return themselves.
When working with a new tax preparer that you are not familiar with, always verify their credentials to make sure they have your best interests in mind.
In recent years, the registration of spirits has become a growing concern. This happens when someone uses your Social Security number to file a tax return on your behalf. The refund is fake, but it is usually structured to provide the scammer with a substantial refund. By the time you file your return, the IRS indicates that it has already been filed.
To protect yourself from this scam, file your taxes as soon as possible. You can request an IRS Identity Protection PIN before tax season begins.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Tax Refund Schemes to Watch Out For
