As tax season approaches, so do scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting filers. One of the most common fraud schemes during this time is IRS impersonation scams. Criminals pose as IRS representatives to trick taxpayers into providing personal information, sending money, or clicking on malicious links. Consumers National Bank is committed to keeping you informed and protected. Here’s how to recognize and avoid IRS scams this tax season.

Recognizing IRS Impersonation Scams

Scammers use various tactics to create a sense of urgency and fear, pressuring victims into complying with fraudulent demands. Common signs of an IRS impersonation scam include:

• Unsolicited Calls or Emails: The IRS will never initiate contact via phone, email, text, or social media to request personal or financial information.
• Threats and Urgent Demands: Scammers often claim you owe back taxes and must pay immediately to avoid arrest, legal action, or asset seizure.
• Requests for Unusual Payment Methods: Fraudsters may insist on payment via wire transfer, prepaid debit cards, or gift cards—methods that are difficult to trace.
• Fake IRS Emails and Websites: Phishing emails often contain fake IRS logos and links to fraudulent websites designed to steal your personal information.

How to Verify Legitimate IRS Communication

If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from the IRS, take these steps to verify its legitimacy:

• Check for Official Correspondence: The IRS primarily contacts taxpayers via official letters mailed to your address.
• Use the IRS Website: Visit www.irs.gov to check your tax status and confirm any legitimate correspondence.
• Contact the IRS Directly: If in doubt, contact the IRS to verify the validity of any tax-related inquiry.
• Do Not Click on Links or Open Attachments: IRS emails that contain links or attachments are almost always fraudulent. Avoid interacting with them to prevent malware infections.

Protecting Yourself from Fake Tax Preparers

Not all tax professionals have your best interests at heart. Scammers posing as legitimate tax preparers may file fraudulent returns in your name or steal your refund. To protect yourself:

• Use a Reputable Tax Preparer: Check credentials, read reviews, and ensure the tax preparer has a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) issued by the IRS.
• Avoid “Too Good to Be True” Promises: Be cautious of preparers promising unusually high refunds or charging fees based on your refund amount.
• Never Sign a Blank Tax Return: Fraudulent preparers may alter the information after you sign, leading to potential legal consequences for you.
• Monitor Your Tax Return Status: File early and use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool to track your return and spot discrepancies.

What to Do If You Suspect an IRS Scam

If you believe you’ve been targeted by an IRS impersonation scam, take immediate action:

• Report the Scam: Report suspicious activity immediately via the IRS official website.
• Monitor Your Financial Accounts: If you’ve shared personal information, review bank statements and credit reports for signs of identity theft.
• Freeze Your Credit If Necessary: If you suspect fraud, consider placing a credit freeze with the major credit bureaus to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
• Notify Your Bank: If you provided bank details to a scammer, inform your financial institution immediately to secure your accounts.

Stay Safe This Tax Season

Tax season is stressful enough without the added worry of fraud. By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself from IRS impersonation scams and other tax-related fraud. If you have concerns about suspicious financial activity, Consumers National Bank is here to help. Contact us for guidance on safeguarding your accounts and financial information.

For more fraud prevention tips, visit our blog or stop by your local Consumers National Bank branch. Stay safe and scam-free this tax season!