How to Stay Safe From Tax Scams This Season

Tax season is already stressful, but it also brings an increase in scams designed to steal your personal and financial information. Fraudsters may pose as government officials or tax service representatives, reaching out via phone calls, emails, or text messages to trick unsuspecting individuals.

To better understand these scams, I spoke with Michael Bordash, a fraud expert at Syniverse who runs a YouTube channel dedicated to scam prevention, and Giulia Porter, vice president at Teltech, the company behind RoboKiller, an app designed to block spam calls.

The good news? You can protect yourself from tax scams by staying informed and adjusting certain habits.

Common Tax Scam Tactics

According to Bordash, scammers frequently use deceptive text messages containing links that lead to fraudulent websites. These sites are designed to look official—sometimes even mimicking the IRS website—and trick victims into providing sensitive details such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and even credit card information.

Many of these phishing scams rely on urgency, convincing victims that they must act quickly to claim a tax refund or resolve an issue. Scammers may also use Google URL redirects to bypass spam filters, making their messages appear more legitimate.

7 Tips to Avoid Tax Scams

1. Know That the IRS Won’t Call or Text You First

Government agencies typically contact taxpayers through official letters, not unsolicited phone calls or text messages. If you receive an unexpected call or text claiming to be from the IRS, it’s likely a scam.

2. Ignore Urgent Threats

Scammers often use intimidation tactics, claiming you’ll face legal trouble or even jail time if you don’t act immediately. The IRS doesn’t operate this way, so any messages demanding immediate action should be viewed with suspicion.

3. Don’t Answer Calls or Texts From Unknown Numbers

Let unknown calls go to voicemail instead of picking up. If you’re using an iPhone, enable “Silence Unknown Callers” in your settings. You can also filter text messages from numbers outside your contact list.

4. Never Share Personal Information

Avoid giving out personal or financial details over the phone, and don’t click on links in unsolicited texts or emails. If you’re unsure whether a message is legitimate, look up the sender’s official contact information separately.

5. Use a Call-Blocking App

Apps like RoboKiller, Hiya, and Truecaller can help prevent scammers from reaching you. These apps identify and filter out spam calls before they even ring your phone.

6. Enable Phishing Protection in Security Apps

Many antivirus programs offer built-in phishing protection that can help detect fraudulent websites. Security experts recommend using tools like McAfee or Webroot, which have performed well in phishing detection tests.

7. Get a Second Opinion

If you receive a suspicious message, ask a trusted friend or family member for advice before taking action. A second pair of eyes can help you spot scams and avoid falling victim to fraud.

By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from tax scams and avoid unnecessary financial losses. If you suspect a scam, report it to the IRS and warn others to stay vigilant.