Tax-relief firm warns of surge in phishing scams that claim to represent IRS
As struggling taxpayers are looking for ways to manage and relieve debt, financial professionals are warning Americans of debt relief scams, specifically through phishing text messages.
Ideal Tax, a Santa Ana, Calif.-based firm that helps relieve tax debts, says there are many scams out there that take advantage of unknowing people who are stressed about their tax issues, such as their credit card debt, trouble with mortgages, student loans, or filing for bankruptcy.
“However, now instead of contacting you about a tax debt and making threats to get you to pay up, scammers are sending text messages about a ‘tax rebate’ or another tax refund or benefit," the firm said.
Ideal Tax says while text messages may look legit and mention a “tax rebate” or “refund payment,” it is important to be aware that no matter what the text says, it is very likely to be scammer phishing for your information.
“If you do then click on the link to claim ‘your refund,’ you are putting yourself at risk of having personal information stolen, or even having malware installed onto your phone by the scammer.”
The experts at Ideal Tax share their top tips on spotting and avoiding an IRS text scam:
- Never click on any links in text messages from the IRS. It is important to generally never share any personal information with an ‘organization’ that contacts you unexpectedly.
- Legitimate contact will most often always be through an official letter through regular mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.
- If you are unsure of the legitimacy of the letter, call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040.
- The IRS will never call, text or email for the first time. They always start by sending you an official letter. However, there are circumstances where the IRS will call or come to a home or business. This is normally when a taxpayer has an overdue tax bill, an unfiled tax return, or has not made an employment tax deposit.
- Always check the status of any pending refund on the official website.
- If you are in the process of receiving a tax refund from the IRS, you can check its status on the official IRS website.
- Always report any unexpected text or emails from the “IRS”
Texts or emails claiming to be the IRS that raise any of the above red flags should be reported; you can send a screenshot or an email to phishing@irs.gov as an attachment.
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Tax season can be a stressful time for many, and unfortunately, it can also be a prime time for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting taxpayers. A tax-relief firm is warning of a surge in phishing scams that claim to represent the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These scams often involve emails or texts that ask for personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or credit card numbers. It's important to be aware of these scams and take steps to protect yourself from becoming a victim. If you're looking for tax help that you can trust, visit https://peaceofmindtaxhelp.com/. They are certified tax professionals who provide personalized service to ensure your peace of mind.
Tax season can be a stressful time for many, and unfortunately, it can also be a prime time for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting taxpayers. A tax-relief firm is warning of a surge in phishing scams that claim to represent the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These scams often involve emails or texts that ask for personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or credit card numbers. It's important to be aware of these scams and take steps to protect yourself from becoming a victim. If you're looking for tax help that you can trust, visit https://peaceofmindtaxhelp.com/. They are certified tax professionals who provide personalized service to ensure your peace of mind.
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