Fightin’ Time: Disgusting Illegal Scammers Want To Exploit IRS Returns

Hey guys! The Better Business Bureau wants to help you stay safe during tax season by sharing some important tips to avoid tax scams and identity theft. Since I got the email, I figured you need to know, too!

I know this is a big time for this, since I've already filed mine, and already gotten my returns. But did you know that the IRS is ranked #13 on the list of organizations that scammers love to impersonate? During tax season, these fraudsters might pose as IRS agents to trick you into giving them your personal information or even paying them directly! So let's just take a minute, and walk through it.

How Do Tax Scammers Operate?

 Phone.

You might get a phone call from someone pretending to be with the IRS. They’ll ask for your personal information or claim that you owe back taxes or that they’re helping with your refund. They may urge you to act right away and threaten you with arrest or fines if you don’t comply. Scammers can be quite convincing—sometimes they’ll provide fake badge numbers or use caller IDs that look like they’re from Washington, D.C.

Phishing. 

Watch out for emails, texts, or social media messages that claim to be from the IRS! These messages often direct you to fake IRS websites where they want you to “update your IRS e-file immediately.” This is just a tactic to steal your personal information.

If they manage to get your Social Security Number  or other personal details, they could file a tax return in your name and take your refund. This can be really costly—according to the BBB, the median loss from tax collection scams in 2023 was just over $2k, which is the highest it's ever been.

Remember, the real IRS will always contact you through the mail first—never through email, texts, or social media. If anything feels off, trust your gut!

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Tips To keep You Off The Scam List

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File Early.

Filing your taxes as soon as you can is a great way to protect yourself. The sooner you file, the less chance someone else has to steal your identity. Use the IRS checklist to make sure you have everything you need!

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Know How The IRS Operates. 

It's so true, I need to say it twice: The IRS will never reach out to you via email, text, or social media. They mainly communicate through the mail, and in some cases, they may call or visit after sending a letter. If you’re uncertain, stop the conversation and verify their identity by contacting the IRS directly. The IRS won’t demand immediate payment or ask for specific types of payment over the phone. Be cautious—never pay anyone requesting cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards!

If you think you’ve come across a tax scam or identity theft, here’s what you can do:

1.  Report it to the IRS here.
2.  File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can do that by clicking here.
3. Share your experience with the BBB Scam Tracker. You can check it and report scams here.

Stay alert guys, and take care of yourself this tax season! You've got this!

Filingly yours,
Behka