Beware of Tax Phishing Scams: Protect Your Information

As tax season approaches, it's crucial to be aware of the various tax phishing scams that can threaten your personal and financial information. The IRS has released its annual "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams for 2025, highlighting common schemes that fraudsters use to steal your money and data.

Common Tax Phishing Scams 

1. Email Schemes Scammers often send emails that appear to be from the IRS or other legitimate organizations. These emails may ask for personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account details, under the guise of verifying your tax return or processing a refund. Remember, the IRS will never initiate contact with taxpayers via email to request personal or financial information. 

2. Fake Tax Credits Fraudsters may promote misleading tax credits that sound too good to be true. They might claim you qualify for a large refund or credit and ask for your personal information to process it. Always verify any tax credit information directly with the IRS or a trusted tax professional. 

3. Social Media Scams Scammers use social media platforms to spread false information about tax refunds, credits, or payments. They may create fake profiles or pages that look legitimate to lure you into providing personal information. Be cautious about sharing any tax-related information on social media. 

4. Fake Charities During tax season, you might receive solicitations from fake charities asking for donations. These scams can be particularly convincing, as they often use names and logos that resemble legitimate organizations. Verify the charity's legitimacy through the IRS's Tax Exempt Organization Search tool before making any donations. 

5. Overstated Withholding Scam Some scammers encourage taxpayers to overstate their withholding on their tax returns to receive a larger refund. This can lead to serious consequences, including penalties and interest on the unpaid tax. Always ensure your withholding is accurate and consult a tax professional if you have any doubts. 

How to Protect Yourself 

1. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Communications If you receive an unsolicited email, phone call, or text message claiming to be from the IRS, do not respond or provide any personal information. Forward suspicious emails to [email protected] and report any misuse of the IRS name or logo to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 1-800-366-4484 

2. Verify Information Always verify any tax-related information directly with the IRS or a trusted tax professional. Do not rely on information from unsolicited communications or social media. 

3. Use Strong Security Practices Ensure your devices and accounts are secure by using strong, unique passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication. Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. 

4. Educate Yourself and Others Stay informed about the latest tax scams and share this information with friends and family. The more people are aware of these scams, the less likely they are to fall victim. 

5. Report Scams If you suspect you have been targeted by a tax scam, report it to the IRS and other relevant authorities. This helps protect others from falling victim to the same scam. 

By staying vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself from tax phishing scams and ensure your personal and financial information remains secure.   

We are here to help! By following these recommendations, organizations can enhance their defenses and stay one step ahead of enterprising adversaries. If you need help with your cybersecurity, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] 

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