Tax scams- the refund you don’t want to claim

Tax season is nearing its halfway point! As you gather what you need file, be on guard against tax scammers who could try to steal your refund or your personal information! At bankESB, we want to help protect you. Here’s some info on the latest tax scams and how to protect yourself.

 What is a tax scam?

Tax scams occur when fraudsters steal your money or personal information by pretending to be the IRS, filing a tax return in your name, or promising fake tax benefits. Unfortunately, there are a few common types of tax scams which include, but are not limited to: IRS impersonation calls, fake tax preparers, tax filing scams, and phishing scams. A new tactic that scammers are taking is using AI to craft highly convincing fake IRS emails and letters that are sent to victims to get them to send money or give up personal information. So how do you know if a letter or email is legitimate? Use caution and look for telltale signs that scammers are not who they say they are.

How the IRS may contact you.

Know how the IRS may contact you, and how they won’t! That way, you’ll be able to spot fraud before it happens. The IRS typically contacts you through regular U.S. mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. You can verify if the IRS sent the letter or notice by searching for it on IRS.gov. Note that some IRS letters are sent from private collection agencies. The IRS also uses phone calls, emails, text messages, and faxes, but only when they have your consent to do so.  When conducting correspondence with the IRS, be sure to verify published phone numbers, mailing addresses, and email addresses on their website.

 The IRS does NOT:

• Contact you or take payment on social media.
• Accept gift cards or prepaid debit cards as payment.
• Threaten to call law enforcement or immigration officials.
• Take your citizenship status, driver’s license, or business license.
• Leave pre-recorded voicemails (robocalls).
• Mail tax debt resolution advertisements.

How to protect yourself.

• File your taxes early: Reduce the risk of identity thieves filing a return in your name.
• Verify tax preparers: Validate information using the Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers.
• Use secure tax software: Make sure your software is up to date.
• Shred sensitive documents: Securely dispose of documents containing personal information so they don’t end up in the wrong hands.
• Monitor your tax account: Look out for unauthorized filings.

bankESB is looking out for you.

We’re committed to keeping you informed about the latest scams and ways to protect your money and personal information. For more information about how to protect yourself from fraud, visit our fraud prevention webpage, stop by your nearest office, or call Customer Care at 855.527.4111.