With the tax deadline looming, fraudsters use fear and fake IRS outreach to deceive taxpayers and steal data or money
Every year as the tax deadline looms, so too does a fresh wave of scams. This year is no different. With April 15 just weeks away, the Internal Revenue Service has warned taxpayers that fraudsters are stepping up their efforts to cheat hard-working people out of money and personal data. The message is clear. Stay alert and do not fall for ruses that look official but are anything but.
Scammers Use Fear to Trap You
Tax season naturally brings anxiety to many. People worry about refunds, payments and meeting deadlines. Scammers exploit this anxiety by posing as IRS officials. They send fake emails, texts and even robot calls claiming there is a problem with your return. Some messages even include urgent threats or demand immediate payment. This creates panic. And panic makes people act without thinking.