03/02/2026
As tax season gets underway, reports of tax-related scams tend to rise right along with it. Fraudsters often impersonate the IRS or state tax agencies via emails, texts, phone calls, or social media messages that appear official.
Common red flags include messages claiming a refund has been approved, warnings about unpaid taxes, or requests to โverifyโ personal or financial information. Government agencies generally do not initiate contact this way, and clicking links or sharing details can expose sensitive information.
Staying aware of these tactics may help reduce the chance of identity theft or fraudulent activity during filing season. If something feels off, itโs worth taking a moment to pause before responding.
Source:
The FTC is warning taxpayers to keep an eye out for phishing and smishing scams aimed at stealing tax refunds and personal data.