Tax season has become rich with opportunities for scammers to access sensitive taxpayer information through a variety of different tactics.
While the tactic may vary from scammer to scammer, it’s important to note that the IRS will never contact you by phone about taxes that you owe or penalties you must pay. The agency will always contact you by mail.
Tax-Related Identity Theft1
Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen Social Security number (SSN) to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund.
How do you know? The most common warning sign is when more than one tax return was filed for you.
What to Do? Visit IRS-Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers for steps to report identity theft with the IRS.
Gift Card Scam2
According to the IRS, scammers will call you or leave a message with a callback number that you owe federal taxes and are in danger of being charged with criminal activity.
The criminal will demand that you pay a bogus tax penalty by purchasing gift cards from various stores and providing the card number and PIN.
How do you know? The IRS will never contact you by phone about taxes that you owe or penalties you must pay. The agency will always contact you by mail.
Social Security Number Scam3
Tax scammers are constantly targeting Social Security numbers during the tax season. Commonly, scammers claim to be able to suspend or cancel the victim’s SSN over the phone. They may mention overdue taxes or penalties incurred.
How do you know? Again, the IRS will never call you about taxes that you owe or penalties you must pay. The agency will always contact you by mail.
What to Do? Visit IRS-SSN Scam for steps to report the call to the IRS.
Your Hancock Whitney banker is ready to help if you believe you’ve fallen victim to an IRS scam. Visit a financial center near you, or speak with a Client Services Representative at 1-800-448-8812.
1Source: IRS-Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers
2Source: IRS-Gift Card Scam
3Source: IRS-SSN Scam
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