As the 2023 tax season is in full effect, that also means it is the prime hunting season for tax scammers, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Being able to keep an eye out for potential scams while filing is very important. This article will go over how most tax scams are conducted, as well as what avenues of communication these scammers use. Tips to prevent and avoid any of these potential scams will also be discussed.
Communication Avenues
The following is a list of the most common communication avenues used by tax scammers:
- Phone
- Text
- Social Media
It is important to know that the Internal Revenue Service uses NONE of the communication avenues mentioned above to get in contact with taxpayers. For example, if you get a text message from a number claiming to be the IRS, that is certainly a scam, and blocking or reporting that number to the IRS is recommended.
Ask the Right Questions
Keeping an open line of communication with any hired help can also help prevent scams. When deciding what professional to hire, it is important to ask the right questions and to be wary of any red flags. Try to stay away from companies that guarantee a higher refund, as many of these companies are fraudulent, and giving tax information to these certain shady companies is not recommended.
Wrap Up
Unfortunately, every tax season comes along with scammers trying to steal information and money. Hiring a tax professional will ensure that any potential scams can be prevented, as they know which avenues of communication are used by the IRS and when something just seems too good to be true.