Stay Alert! don’t get Tricked By The New Wave of IRS Scams
August 2, 2023
The IRS has recently warned taxpayers about a "summer wave" of tax scams. Scammers are known to exploit the time-sensitive nature of tax-related matters and prey on unsuspecting individuals seeking to fulfill their tax obligations. These deceptive schemes come in various forms, such as phishing emails, fake calls and text messages from supposed IRS agents, and fraudulent websites, all aimed at stealing sensitive personal and financial information.
We urge you to remain vigilant and cautious when dealing with any unsolicited communications related to taxes. Remember, the IRS will never initiate contact via email or phone to request sensitive information. If you encounter any suspicious activity, we urge you to report it immediately to the IRS.
Keep reading below to see our top tips for avoiding scams and details about trending scams this summer.
Protect Yourself From Tax Scams
Never give out personal or financial information over the phone or in an email.
Be suspicious of any email or text message that asks for your personal or financial information.
Do not click on a link or open an attachment from a text message or email claiming to be from the IRS. These links and attachments could contain malware that could steal your personal information.
If you receive a letter that looks like it is from the IRS, send us a copy right away. We can help verify the authenticity, and if it’s legit we can assist you in responding appropriately.
Reporting Tax Scams
If you think you have been the victim of a tax scam or your keen eye spots a scam that has been targeted at you, report it to the IRS immediately. You can do this by:
Calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
Sending a copy of the fake email or text message to phishing@irs.gov
Trending Tax Scams
Economic Impact Payment Scam
The IRS is reporting that this is currently the most prevalent IRS Scam. The third round of Economic Impact Payments occurred in 2021, more than two years ago. And this particular scheme, which plays off this real-world tax event, has been around since then. But while the stimulus payments ended long ago, the related scheme has evolved and changed as scam artists look for new ways to adjust their message to trick people.
Like many scams, this email urges people to click on a link so they can complete their “application.” Instead, it takes the taxpayer to a website where identity thieves will try to harvest valuable personal information.
"You may be eligible for the ERC" Scam
The IRS is reporting a significant increase in false Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims. The ERC, sometimes also called the Employee Retention Tax Credit or ERTC, is a pandemic-related credit for which only select employers qualify.
Scam promoters are luring people to improperly claim the ERC with “offers” online, in social media, on the radio, or through unsolicited phone calls, emails and even mailings that look like official government letters but have fake agency names and usually urge immediate action. These unscrupulous promoters make false claims about their company’s legitimacy and often don’t discuss some key eligibility factors, limitations and income tax implications that affect an employer’s tax return. It’s important to watch for warning signs such as promoters who say they can quickly determine someone’s eligibility without details, and those who charge up-front fees or a fee based on a percentage of the ERC claimed. Anyone who improperly claims the ERC must pay it back, possibly with penalties and interest, leaving you on the hook for more than just the scammers fees.
"Claim your Tax Refund Online" Scams
This type of scam is always popular. Identity thieves know that the concept of free or overlooked money is tempting for people. So, the IRS routinely sees email and text schemes playing off tax refunds and suggesting people have somehow missed getting their tax refund.
The IRS recently warned about one variation hitting inboxes in recent weeks with a blue headline proclaiming people should “Claim your tax refund online.”
"Help You Fix It" Text Scam
In another text scam seen in recent weeks, identity thieves come up with a name on a text message that tries to sound official, like “govirs-accnnt2023.” They then send a variety of messages that say there’s a problem with a person’s tax return but, not to worry, the anonymous sender of the text message can help resolve the problem if they click on a link.
If you have any questions about a communication that you receive purporting to be from the IRS, please don't hesitate to contact us. Your security is our priority, and together, we can thwart these scams and safeguard your hard-earned assets. Stay informed, stay protected, and enjoy a scam-free summer!