Tax refund and back tax scams target consumers ahead of tax season

ZD NET reports that tax authorities are warning consumers about a surge in scams, particularly those impersonating the IRS and state tax offices, as tax season approaches. These fraudulent schemes aim to trick individuals into revealing sensitive personal and financial information.

Cybercriminals are exploiting the tax season to perpetrate scams, primarily through text messages and emails that falsely claim a tax refund is due or that back taxes are owed. The messages often prompt recipients to click on malicious links or call fraudulent numbers to "verify" their identity or account details. This verification process is designed to harvest personal information such as Social Security numbers and bank account details. Scammers then use this information for identity theft, to claim legitimate refunds, or sell the data on the dark web. The FTC advises taxpayers to be wary of unsolicited communications and to never provide personal information via text, email, or unverified phone calls.

These scams highlight a persistent threat where cybercriminals leverage seasonal events to exploit public trust. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) emphasizes the importance of public awareness and vigilance. Official tax agencies will always communicate via postal mail for initial contact regarding tax liabilities. Consumers are urged to report suspicious messages and to independently verify any tax-related inquiries through official government websites like IRS.gov or USA.gov, rather than relying on information provided in unsolicited communications.

Source: ZD NET