Every year, the IRS publishes an updated list of the most common tax scams targeting taxpayers — many of which peak during filing season. The short answer: the IRS will never initiate contact by email, text, or social media to request personal or financial information, and any message that does is IRS tax fraud, full stop.
Below is a breakdown of the scams the IRS continues to flag, and what tax scam prevention looks like for each one.
Phishing and Smishing
Phishing scams involve unsolicited emails or fake websites posing as legitimate IRS pages to trick you into handing over personal or financial information. Once scammers have it, they use it to commit identity or financial theft.
The same tactic now shows up over text message too — known as “smishing.” These messages often use urgent language (“your account has been put on hold,” “unusual activity detected”) paired with a link or QR code meant to look official.
The rule that cuts through all of it: the IRS does not initiate contact by email, text message, social media, or any other electronic channel to request personal or financial information. If you receive one, don’t click the link or scan the QR code — it may install malware or direct you to a fake site designed to steal your information.
Phone Scams
Phone scams typically involve a call from someone claiming you owe money to the IRS or are owed a large refund. These calls may:
- Show up as “IRS” on your Caller ID (spoofed)
- Be paired with fake emails made to look official
- Include follow-up calls from someone claiming to be law enforcement
- Threaten arrest, license revocation, or deportation to create panic
Scammers increasingly use AI-generated voices and robocalls to make these calls sound more convincing. The IRS generally initiates contact by mail first, and it will never demand immediate payment over the phone or threaten you with arrest.
Tax-Related Identity Theft
Tax-related identity theft happens when someone uses your Social Security number to file a fraudulent tax return and claim your refund. Often, you won’t know it happened until you try to file your own return and discover one was already filed in your name — or the IRS sends a letter flagging a suspicious return filed with your Social Security number.
If you suspect tax identity theft, act quickly:
- Report it to the IRS and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- File IRS Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) if instructed
- Consider requesting an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS for extra security on future filings
Return Preparer Fraud
Some scammers pose as legitimate tax preparers to commit refund fraud or identity theft. Choose a tax preparer carefully — check credentials and reviews before handing over sensitive documents. Remember: you’re legally responsible for your tax return, even if someone else prepared it.
Inflated Refund Claims
Be cautious of any preparer who promises an unreasonably large refund before reviewing your records. Red flags include being asked to sign a blank return, or a preparer who charges fees based on a percentage of your refund rather than a flat rate.
Fake Charities
Scammers sometimes set up fake charitable organizations — often with names similar to well-known nonprofits — to solicit donations and collect personal information. Before donating, verify a charity’s legitimacy using the IRS’s search tools, and remember that donations only qualify for a tax deduction if they go to an IRS-recognized, tax-exempt organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the IRS ever contact taxpayers by email or text?
No. The IRS does not initiate contact by email, text message, or social media to request personal or financial information. It generally contacts taxpayers by mail first.
What should I do if I get a suspicious call claiming to be the IRS?
Hang up. Do not provide any personal or financial information. You can verify any real balance or notice through your IRS Online Account or by calling the IRS directly using a number from IRS.gov — not one provided by the caller.
How do I know if I’m a victim of tax-related identity theft?
Common signs include an e-filed return being rejected because one was already filed under your Social Security number, or receiving an IRS letter about a suspicious return you didn’t file.
Is it safe to scan a QR code on an IRS notice?
Treat QR codes in unsolicited or unexpected tax mail with caution. When in doubt, skip the code and go directly to IRS.gov or your IRS Online Account to verify the notice.
Protect What You’ve Worked For
Tax scam prevention is really just one part of protecting your overall financial picture. Family Life Insurance Plans: Florida Families — protecting your money extends beyond taxes.
If you have questions about a suspicious notice, a scam attempt, or how to keep your financial information secure, the team at The Art and Science of Successful Planning in Fort Myers is here to help Southwest Florida families navigate it with confidence.
