Beware of Tax Fraud
How Does Tax Fraud Work?
Identity thieves can file fraudulent tax returns in your name and steal your tax refund. They may attempt identity theft through emails or phone calls that claim false problems with your return or tax documents.
Through Phishing Emails
Identity thieves send fraudulent emails claiming to be from various administrative units or the IRS asking people to update or validate information using a fake login pages, fraudulent Google forms, and more. They ask for personal information such as birthdate, Social Security number, and more that they can use to impersonate you. Do not provide this information.
The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages, or social media channels to request personal or financial information.
Through Phone Scams
People across the country have received phone calls from con artists claiming to be from the IRS. They often threaten tax-related legal action and demand immediate payment. They may ask for personal information. Do not provide information or money. Learn about phone scams.
The IRS will never call to demand immediate payment. The IRS will not call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill.
Prevent Tax Fraud
Turn on Multifactor Authentication (2-factor) to protect your accounts.
Turn on 2-factor for Greenshades to add extra security for (including your W-2), Microsoft Office 365, and other web sites and tools. 2-factor authentication adds a second layer of security, keeping your account secure even if your password is compromised.
If you file online, first secure your data, devices, and home network.
Secure your devices to safeguard your online identity and accounts. This means setting strong passwords, backing up your data, choosing appropriate privacy and access settings, only connecting to secure networks, and more.
File your taxes as soon as possible. This prevents criminals from filing under your name, and will get you your tax refund (if you are eligible for one) faster.
Know your tax filing merchants.
Use only Authorized IRS e-file Providers to file your taxes. If you're filing on the web, make sure that the website URL starts with https to indicate a secure connection.
Be suspicious of ads for tax filing services that promise you large or expedited tax refunds. These ads are often scams to steal your personal information.
Beware of common identity theft and tax scams.
Information about many current tax scams can be found at IRS: Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts. See Scams to learn how to protect yourself from phishing attacks, phone scams, tax fraud, and tech support scams.
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