Posted On: January 31, 2025 by Prevail Bank in: Banking
With tax season upon us, the time for tax phishing and phone scams are too. Below are some tips taken directly from the IRS’ website, including associated links.
Remember, the IRS does not initially (key word is initially) reach out or contact taxpayers by email, text messages, or social media channels. This includes requests for personal identification information, PINS, passwords, or similar access information for credit cards, banks, or other financial accounts.
The IRS will never:
Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes.
Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.
Demand that taxes be paid without giving taxpayers the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
Call unexpectedly about a tax refund.
Taxpayers who receive these phone calls should:
Record the number and then hang up the phone immediately.
Report the call to TIGTA using their IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting form or by calling 800-366-4484.
Report the number to phishing@irs.gov and be sure to put "IRS Phone Scam" in the subject line.
If you receive a suspicious IRS-related email claiming to be from the IRS that contains a request for personal information, taxes associated with a large investment, inheritance, or lottery:
Don't reply.
Don't open any attachments. They can contain malicious code that may infect your computer or mobile phone.
Don't click on any links. Visit the IRS identity protection page if you clicked on links in a suspicious email or website and entered confidential information.
Forward - preferably with the full email headers - the email as-is to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov. Don't forward scanned images because this removes valuable information.
Delete the original email.
If you receive a suspicious IRS-related telephone call, install call blocking software for smartphones. The IRS does not endorse any particular solution or brand, but some of those available options are:
The blog above was shared in part with permission by the author, Diana Rodriguez, Cyber Threat Intelligence Engineer, and publisher, DefenseStorm. Click here for the complete article, released January 23, 2025.
Prevail Bank cares about you and your finances. Stay safe!
