Summer of IRS Scams | Fraudsters Targeting Taxpayers

Summer of IRS Scams | Fraudsters Targeting Taxpayers. This summer has witnessed a surge in scams orchestrated by fraudsters who are exploiting the IRS and enticing taxpayers with promises of easy money.

Summer of IRS Scams | Fraudsters Targeting Taxpayers

These scams come in various forms, including phishing emails, text messages, and smishing attempts, all designed to trick individuals into sharing their personal information and falling victim to rip-offs. According to Raphael Tulino, a spokesperson for the IRS, “Scam wise, there’s a whole spate of them this summer.”

The Latest Scam Techniques

Among the latest scam techniques employed by fraudsters are deceptive messages claiming to offer a third round economic impact payment or an opportunity to receive an online refund. Some scams even instruct recipients on how to purportedly fix their tax return to claim an owed refund. These tactics are aimed at luring unsuspecting taxpayers into clicking on malicious links, ultimately leading to identity theft and financial loss.

A New Mail-Based Scam

In addition to online and text message scams, a new strategy has emerged in the form of snail mail. Victims may receive mailers in cardboard envelopes that falsely promise a tax refund. These mailers often request sensitive information, including photos of the recipient’s driver’s license.

It is crucial to note that the IRS does not initiate contact in this manner, and such correspondence is a ploy by scammers seeking personal information for identity theft.

Protecting Yourself from Scams

Raphael Tulino emphasizes the importance of caution when faced with requests for personal information. He advises individuals not to readily provide sensitive data, especially in response to unsolicited emails, texts, mailers, or phone calls. Instead, taxpayers should take a proactive approach by verifying the legitimacy of any such communication directly with the IRS to safeguard their personal and financial information.