Federal authorities warn Americans about a new IRS impersonation scam as the 2024 tax season begins. The fraud involves sending emails or texts claiming to be related to a tax refund or a “tax refund e-statement,” according to SEC consumer alerts.
Photo from Tri-State Alert
Beware of Fake Tax Refund Messages During 2024 Filing Season
While the IRS won’t contact you unexpectedly about a tax refund via email, text, or social media to acquire personal or financial information, scammers do, according to the FTC.
The scam usually asks victims to click a link to check their refund status or fill out a form to claim it. However, falling for this method may lead to identity theft or virus installation.
The FTC warns recipients of similar emails or texts to never click on embedded links to avoid fraud. Instead, check the return status using the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund” link.
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IRS Urges Vigilance as Sophisticated Fraud Threatens Unsuspecting Taxpayers
Due to the sophistication of tax fraud, taxpayers should be watchful and careful when dealing with unsolicited tax communications. To avoid scams, follow the IRS’s established communication procedures and verify refund status using secure channels.
Individuals should prioritize protecting their personal and financial information from fraud throughout tax season. Staying aware and cautious might help taxpayers protect themselves against tax season scams.
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