During tax season, there is an uptick in fraud with a tax theme. This can include W-2 phishing, spoofed tax preparer or government websites, and other forms of phishing. Below are some tips to help you avoid falling victim to these fraud attempts.
- Be wary of emails purporting to be from the IRS or other governmental taxing authorities. The presence of a government logo does not mean an email is genuine. Look closely at the email address of the sender, including the domain, which is the part of an email address that comes after the @ symbol.
- Don’t click on texts containing links that appear to take you to a government website. Websites can be spoofed to look like an actual site. Navigate directly to the website by typing in the correct address.
- Beware of emails that appear to be from a tax preparer requesting information. If you aren’t expecting an email, contact and confirm the email came from the tax preparer by looking up the tax preparer’s phone number or email address online. Do not trust the phone number or email address supplied in the original email.
- Beware of any electronic communication that requires you to enter personal information. Malicious people will attempt to trick you into providing information by threatening fines, promising refunds, or other actions that would cause you to act immediately.
- Refer to government websites or call the agency for accurate information.
If you feel you have been victimized by a fraud attempt, contact our Customer Care Center immediately at (888) 372-9788.
