How to be Alerted to Financial Scams During Tax Season

In the spring, it is time to sharpen your pencils and load tax software onto your computer. The IRS often warns taxpayers to be on the lookout for scam artists who pretend to work for the federal government agency. If you are in doubt whether or not a notice you receive is authentic from the IRS, then contact your local federal office for verification. Here are some situations to be suspicious of.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. A phone call from "an IRS employee." They say you are eligible for a "rebate" or bonus money for filing your taxes early. The phone caller will request your bank account information so the money can be directly deposited into your account. Remember, the IRS never gathers information over the telephone.

2. An email sent to you stating that you are eligible for a tax refund. It will include a link to an official-looking site that will instruct you to fill out a "refund" claim form. Do not respond, the IRS does not send unsolicited emails to secure tax information.

3. An email about money for surveys. If you are sent an email promising $80 for completing an IRS customer satisfaction survey that will require your social security, bank account and credit card numbers, don't do it. There's no such thing.

4. You receive a letter stating that you are "under audit" by the IRS. To correct the situation right, you will need to divulge your personal financial information immediately.