Tax season is here — don't fall for these common scams
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With the IRS now accepting people's tax returns for 2025, a federal watchdog is warning Americans to beware of so-called phishing and smishing scams designed to trick people into unwittingly handing over their personal information. Edited by Alain Sherter In:
With the IRS now accepting people's tax returns for 2025, a federal watchdog is warning Americans to beware of so-called phishing and smishing scams designed to trick people into unwittingly handing over their personal information.
One common scam: robo-emails or texts bearing the subject line "tax refund" that appear to come from the IRS or a state tax office, the Federal Trade Commission said in an online notice. Recipients are told their tax refund has been "processed" or "approved," but that they must verify their identity by clicking a link and providing personal information, such as a Social Security number and bank account details.
The FTC urged tax filers not to click on such links, which could allow criminals to steal personal data and even your tax refund.
"Know that the real IRS and state tax offices won't reach out by text, email or on social media to get your information," the agency said. "Only scammers will."
Another scam: a caller posing as an employee of a fake government agency says you owe back taxes, then tries to connect you with a 'tax resolution officer' who asks for your information to check your status or enroll you in a supposed IRS program. Such calls are also intended to pilfer people's personal information, according to the FTC, which urges anyone to immediately hang up.
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