Tax season brings plenty of activity, from gathering documents, filing returns, and hopefully looking forward to a refund. Unfortunately, it also brings a surge in scams targeting hardworking people. As your local banking partner, we want to help you stay alert, informed, and confident as you navigate this busy time of year.
Below is a guide to the most common tax-season scams, how to spot them, and where to turn if something doesn’t feel right.
Why Tax Season Is a High‑Risk Time
Scammers know that millions of Americans are expecting important tax documents, IRS notices, and refund updates. That makes it easier for them to disguise fraudulent messages as legitimate communication. During tax season, we see increases in:
- Fake IRS calls or emails
- Identity theft attempts
- Fraudulent refund filings
- Phishing messages pretending to be tax software or payroll providers
The good news: with a little awareness, you can avoid most of these traps.
Common Tax Scams to Watch For
IRS Impersonation Scams
Fraudsters may call, text, or email claiming to be from the IRS. They often use threats — arrest, license suspension, or legal action — to pressure you into paying immediately.
What to know:
The IRS will never demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or request gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers.
Phishing Emails & Texts
These messages may look like they’re from the IRS, tax software companies, or even your employer. They often include:
- “Verify your information” links
- Fake tax document downloads
- Requests for Social Security numbers or bank details
Tip: Hover over links before clicking. If the address looks strange, delete the message.
Refund Fraud & Identity Theft
Scammers may file a tax return in your name to steal your refund. Many victims don’t realize it until the IRS rejects their legitimate return.
Warning signs:
- You receive an unexpected tax transcript
- You get a refund you didn’t request
- The IRS says you already filed
How to Verify IRS Communications
The IRS communicates in very specific ways. Here’s how to tell what’s real:
The IRS may:
- Send letters by U.S. mail
- Call you after sending written notices
- Visit your home or business for certain tax matters (rare, and always with official ID)
The IRS will never:
- Initiate contact by email, text, or social media
- Demand immediate payment
- Ask for credit card numbers over the phone
- Threaten to bring in law enforcement for nonpayment
If you’re unsure whether a message is legitimate, contact the IRS directly at irs.gov — not through any phone number or link provided in the suspicious message.
What To Do If You’re Targeted
If you think you’ve encountered a scam:
1. Stop and disconnect
Hang up the phone, delete the email, or close the suspicious website.
2. Do not share personal information
Never give out your Social Security number, bank account details, or login credentials.
3. Report the scam
Reporting helps protect others in our community.
4. Contact us
If you believe your bank account or personal information may have been compromised, reach out to our team right away. We’re here to help you secure your accounts and guide you through next steps.
Helpful Resources
Here are trusted sources to keep you informed:
IRS Resources
- IRS Tax Scams & Consumer Alerts
- Report Phishing to the IRS: phishing@irs.gov
- Identity Theft Central