Tax season is here — and so are scammers posing as IRS representatives to steal personal information and money. Knowing the warning signs can help you avoid tax identity theft and fraud.
What the IRS Will Never Do
- Contact you by phone, email, or text
- Ask for payment over the phone
- Threaten arrest or legal action
- Request personal information electronically
- Require payment via wire transfer, gift cards, prepaid debit cards, cash, or cryptocurrency
Be wary if your caller ID shows the IRS is calling, because phone numbers can be spoofed. You should always verify these calls immediately.
How to Protect Yourself
- Never share personal information over the phone
- Write down the caller’s name and number, then hang up
- Ignore emails or texts claiming to be from the IRS
- Report scams to the IRS and FTC at identitytheft.gov
- Mail tax returns directly from the post office
- Warn family and friends about these scams
As your banking partner, your financial security is our priority. Visit our Security Center for more tips to protect yourself from scams and fraud.
