Remember, gift cards are for gifts, not for making tax payments. Many people give gift cards as a convenient gift for any occasion. Scammers use gift cards to steal your money. Here's how this usually works: The scammer may call you, impersonating an IRS agent, or contact you by text, email, or social media. The criminal [...]
Thieves are constantly working to steal people's identity and personal data so they can use it to fraudulently file tax returns and claim refund money that isn't theirs. Remember to check out IRS.gov/scams for more information and tips on avoiding scammers. Here are a few things you should know so you don't fall victim to these [...]
Thieves use email, telephone, and social media for various online scams. They also send fake text messages. This is known as smishing. Taxpayers need to remember that the IRS will not contact them by text message or social media and ask for personal or financial information. The IRS will also not initiate contact by phone or [...]
Worried about an identity thief filing a tax return in your name? The IRS can help protect you. It's called the IRS Identity Protection PIN or IP PIN, opt-in program. The IP PIN is a six-digit number known only to you and the IRS. It helps the IRS verify your identity and accept your electronic or [...]
Thieves are working 24/7 to steal your identity. Here are some quick and easy steps you can take to protect yourself online: Use security software for computers and mobile phones, and set it to update automatically. Use strong and unique passwords for all accounts. Use two-factor authentication whenever possible. Many financial institutions, email providers, and social [...]
