Security Corner Blog

As we navigate through the annual tax season, it's not only a time for organizing financial documents and filing returns but also a period when scammers are particularly active, aiming to exploit individuals through deceptive schemes. In this environment, staying informed about potential threats is crucial to safeguard your personal and financial information. Below, we've compiled a comprehensive list of scams that may surface during this tax season, shedding light on the tactics employed by fraudsters.

'We recalculated your tax refund, and you must fill out this form.'

Scammers send emails, often adorned with the IRS logo, claiming a recalculation of your tax refund. These deceptive messages prompt recipients to click a link and provide sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, birthdays, and addresses. Some scammers even use ".edu" email addresses to target college students.

'We're calling from the FDIC and need your bank information.'

The Federal Depository Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insures bank deposits so that consumers won't lose all their money if a bank fails. But it does not send unsolicited correspondence asking for money, sensitive personal information, bank account information, credit and debit card numbers, Social Security numbers or passwords. Scammers claiming to be from the FDIC or other regulatory agencies are hunting for information they can use to commit fraud or sell identities.

'We're calling to tell you your identity was stolen; you need to buy some gift cards to fix it.'

Scammers pose as IRS agents, informing victims that their identity has been stolen. The criminals instruct victims to purchase specific gift cards and later demand the gift card access numbers.

'We'll cancel your Social Security number.'

Scammers claim to be from the IRS, threatening to suspend or cancel the victim's Social Security number. The IRS advises hanging up if such a call is received.

'This is the Bureau of Tax Enforcement, and we're putting a lien or levy on your assets.'

There is no Bureau of Tax Enforcement. Victims often receive a letter from the fake agency claiming that they have a tax lien or tax levy and that they had better pay the "Bureau of Tax Enforcement" or else.

'If you don't call us back, you'll be arrested.'

Criminals can make a caller ID phone number look like it's coming from anywhere — including the IRS, the local police, or some other intimidating source. But the IRS doesn't leave prerecorded voicemails, especially ones that claim to be urgent or are threatening. Also, the IRS can't revoke your driver's license, business license, or immigration status.

'Use this Form W-8BEN to give us personal data.'

Although the Form W-8BEN, which is called a "Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding," is a legitimate IRS form, criminals have been modifying the form to ask for personal information such as mother's maiden name, passport numbers, and PINs. (The real form is here.)

'Click here to see details about your tax refund.'

These emails are intended to trick the reader into clicking links that lead to a fake IRS-like website and expose the user to malware. The IRS never emails taxpayers about the status of their tax refunds.

The IRS "Where's My Refund?” tracker is the fastest way to check your federal tax refund status. The agency updates the tracker once per day, usually overnight. You can start checking on your tax refund status 24 hours after e-filing your return and from four weeks to six months after mailing a paper return.

'We're from the Taxpayer Advocate Service and we need some information.'

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is a legitimate organization within the IRS that helps people get assistance with IRS problems. But it doesn't call taxpayers for no reason. Criminals are making phone calls look like they're coming from the TAS office in Houston or Brooklyn, according to the IRS, and when taxpayers return the calls — which often tell victims they're entitled to a large tax refund — the criminals ask for personal information such as a Social Security number.

'Click to see your tax transcript.'

In this scam, fraudsters send an email with an attachment they claim is the taxpayer's tax transcript. (A tax transcript summarizes a person's tax return.) Although tax transcripts are a real thing that the IRS provides, the IRS does not email tax transcripts. You can request one directly from the IRS, who will mail it to you.

'Take this FBI survey'

This is a ransomware scheme in which criminals email messages that appear to be from the IRS or FBI. When readers click on a link to a survey that the message claims is required, the link downloads ransomware that prevents users from accessing data on their devices unless they pay off the fraudsters.

'You owe federal student tax.'

There is no federal student tax, and any claim otherwise is a scam.

'We don't need to sign your tax return even though we prepared it.'

Legitimate tax preparers must have a valid preparer tax identification number and sign your tax return. Unsigned returns may indicate a scam.

'Let us help you file a casualty loss claim.'

Victims of natural disasters can be prime targets for scammers looking to get their hands on sensitive information such as a Social Security number or other financial records. Scammers may call, email, or even reach out via social media, posing as fake charities or claiming to be IRS agents who can help file a casualty loss claim. The agency urges taxpayers to ignore all unsolicited contact and call the IRS' disaster assistance line (866-562-5227) for official information about disaster-related tax help.

Stay informed and protect yourself from these scams by verifying any unsolicited communication and using official channels for tax-related inquiries. To find a list of online resources, IRS phone numbers, and in-person assistance options, visit the IRS help page.

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