How to protect yourself from tax season scams
A new year and tax season brings new opportunities for tax-related scams, which play out in a variety of ways.
AUSTIN, Texas – A new year and new tax season brings new opportunities for tax-related scams.
“We see this fear tactic play out every time this part of the year,” said Jason Meza, senior regional director for San Antonio, Better Business Bureau serving the Heart of Texas.
Scammers often instill and capitalize on fear of missing deadlines, fear of losing money and fear of breaking the law.
It plays out in a variety of ways during tax season.
“BBB typically sees an increase in scam reports, imposter fraud approaches, people getting phone calls, texts and emails claiming they have an outstanding debt, claiming they need to settle something quickly before an action is taken against them,” said Meza.
And there may be lingering confusion post-pandemic.
“During the pandemic, we saw tax deadlines get moved, things get stretched around and a lot of confusion,” said Meza. “I think scammers play on that confusion very well.”
One example of a possible scam – receiving a phone call where the caller claims to be with the IRS and demands payment. The IRS will almost always mail a letter, and they won’t demand immediate payment without allowing the opportunity to appeal.
Ahead of filing, watch out for scammers posing as tax preparers – also referred to as “ghost preparers.” They will claim legitimacy and may promise an extra…
