WASHINGTON, DC — Tax season gives scammers a fresh opening to steal money, file fraudulent returns, or collect sensitive personal information. The biggest warning signs are fake IRS messages, suspicious preparers, and refund products that take a large bite out of your tax money.
The IRS says it does not contact people by email, and a tax preparer should never promise a huge refund no matter what your situation looks like. If you see either of those tactics, the safest move is to stop and verify everything through official IRS channels or a trusted tax professional.
Common Scam Tactics
One of the most common tricks is phishing, where scammers send messages that look like they came from the IRS or a tax company. They may claim there is a problem with your return, say your payment was rejected, or push you to open a link that installs malware on your device.
Another common scheme uses identity theft. Once a criminal gets your Social Security number or bank details, they may try to file a tax return in your name and send the refund to a different address. Some preparers also raise red flags by charging fees as a percentage of your refund instead of using a flat price.
Refund anticipation loans are another product to question carefully. They are legal, but they can come with multiple fees and ATM charges that quickly reduce what you actually take home.
How To Verify
If you think a message is fake, do not reply, click links, or share personal information. The IRS says suspicious emails should be forwarded to phishing@irs.gov, and taxpayers who believe their identity has been misused can contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490.
If a TurboTax-related email looks suspicious, TurboTax says it can be forwarded to spoof@intuit.com for review. For any tax issue, the safest check is still the official IRS website or a well-established tax preparer who is registered with the IRS where required.
Before paying for an early refund product, read every fee and ask how much you will lose in total charges. If the product depends on repeated withdrawals or extra processing steps, the cost may be higher than it first appears.
Why These Scams Work
These scams often succeed because they play on fear, confusion, and urgency. People worry about the IRS, so a message that sounds official can prompt them to act before they think.
Scammers also take advantage of distrust. Some messages suggest the government is withholding money and that only by handing over personal information can you get it back. Once the information is stolen, criminals may use it to try to collect refunds or commit other fraud in your name.
The IRS also warns about groups pushing people to make false or “frivolous” tax claims. If a promoter says you are guaranteed a larger refund without reviewing your records, that is a strong sign to walk away.
What To Watch Next
The basic advice is unlikely to change soon: keep your tax documents private, use a reputable preparer, and verify any message that claims to come from the IRS. If you are unsure about a filing offer or refund product, ask whether the total cost is worth it before signing anything.
What can change from year to year is the exact mix of scams circulating during filing season. That makes it worth checking the IRS Identity Theft and phishing guidance, along with any security notices from your tax software provider, before you send personal information anywhere.
If you already shared details with a suspicious source, contact the IRS right away and keep copies of any emails, screenshots, or notices. Acting quickly can limit the damage and help the agency review what happened.
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