5 Online Tax Scams to Watch Out for This Tax Season
Tax season is one of the busiest times of year for many, and scammers know it. Every year, they take advantage of tight deadlines, large refunds, and the stress that comes with filing.
Most tax-related scams follow the same playbook. They create urgency, look official, and push you to act quickly before you have time to think.
Once you know what to look for, they’re much easier to spot. With this year’s tax deadline only about a week away, here are five online tax scams to watch out for this season:
1. IRS Impersonation Messages
Scammers often pose as the Internal Revenue Service through emails, texts, or phone calls. These messages usually claim you owe money or need to act immediately to avoid penalties.
What it looks like:
- “Immediate action required” notices
- Threats of fines, arrest, or legal action
- Requests for payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or apps
Remember: The IRS will not contact you by text or email demanding immediate payment or personal information.
2. “Your Refund Is Ready” Phishing Scams
This one flips the script by using excitement instead of fear. You may receive a message saying your refund is ready, along with a link to claim it.
What it looks like:
- Unexpected messages about a refund
- Links that don’t clearly lead to IRS.gov
- Requests for banking or personal details
Refunds don’t ever come through surprise links. If you didn’t initiate the process, it’s not legitimate. If a message is asking you to verify personal information for your refund, it is likely a scam.
3. Fake Tax Filing Websites
Some scams don’t come through messages at all. Instead, they show up as websites that look like real tax preparation services.
What it looks like:
- Slightly misspelled or unusual web addresses
- Sites that ask for sensitive information too early
- Pages that look “off” compared to trusted platforms
Always go directly to known, trusted tax filing services or official IRS resources instead of clicking links. Verify that the link shown in your browser is the exact link you intended to visit.
4. W-2 and Employer Impersonation Scams
These scams often target workplaces. Someone posing as a manager or HR representative requests W-2 forms or employee information.
What it looks like:
- Emails asking for employee tax documents
- Messages that appear to come from leadership but feel unusual or come from a different email address
- Slight differences in email addresses or formatting
Legitimate requests for sensitive information follow secure internal processes, not casual email requests. You should always report any suspicious or unexpected emails requesting sensitive information to your employer or IT department.
5. Tax Relief or Debt Settlement Scams
You may see ads or receive calls promising to reduce or eliminate your tax debt quickly.
What it looks like:
- Guarantees that sound too good to be true
- High-pressure sales tactics
- Requests for upfront fees
Legitimate tax assistance programs don’t guarantee outcomes or require immediate payment to get started.
How to Protect Yourself
Scammers rely on quick decisions. The more time you take to verify something, the less likely you are to fall for it. A few simple habits go a long way:
- Don’t click links from unexpected emails or texts
- Type official website addresses directly into your browser
- Double-check requests for personal or financial information
- When something feels off, stop and verify before taking action. When in doubt, close out!
Stay One Step Ahead This Tax Season
Tax scams are designed to catch you off guard, but they’re rarely as convincing as they seem once you slow down and take a closer look. Staying aware of common tactics can help you protect your personal information, your finances, and your peace of mind.
And speaking of peace of mind, Cumberland Connect’s Peace of Mind Package includes built-in network security that helps block suspicious activity and potential threats across all connected devices in your home. From laptops and phones to smart TVs and other devices, ProtectIQ works in the background to help keep your network protected. It’s one more way to stay protected online, not just during tax season, but year-round.
