For more than 20 years, the IRS releases a “Dirty Dozen” list of common IRS scams and schemes. The list is intended to raise awareness of fraud and identity theft.
The IRS announced a warning for people to be on the lookout for bogus calls, texts, emails and online posts. These tactics may trick victims into providing sensitive personal financial information, money or other data. The information could be used to file false tax returns and access financial accounts.
Common scams include
- Text message scams. These scams are sent to mobile phones and include fake links claiming to be IRS websites or educational tools. The IRS does not text taxpayers or send messages by social platforms
- Email phishing scams. The IRS does not initiate contact by email to ask for personal or financial information. All contact is started through regular US Mail.
- Phone scams. The IRS does not leave pre-recorded, threatening or urgent messages on voicemail.
It is important to be wary of unsolicited outreach from the IRS and report scamming to authorities.
