IRS Scam Surge: BBB Issues Urgent Warning as Tax Season Opens
Tax season has officially begun and so has a wave of aggressive scams targeting millions of taxpayers across the country. Authorities are now sounding the alarm as criminals impersonate the IRS, hoping to steal money, personal data and even entire identities.
The warning comes as filings ramp up through IRS.gov, the official website of the Internal Revenue Service. According to the Better Business Bureau, scammers are using increasingly convincing tactics. Many of these schemes start with a phone call. On the other end, someone claims to be an IRS agent. They may provide a fake badge number. The caller ID might even show Washington, D.C. And the tone is often urgent, serious and intimidating.
In one common scam, the caller insists you owe back taxes. They demand immediate payment. They may threaten arrest, heavy fines, or legal action if you don’t comply. And here’s the red flag: they ask for payment through prepaid debit cards or wire transfers. That’s not how the real IRS operates.
Also Read:- South Africa Crush UAE to Finish Unbeaten – Super 8 Warning Sent
- Toronto Braces for Snow, Ice and Freezing Rain as Winter Strikes Again
Another tactic flips the script. Instead of demanding money, scammers promise a refund. They claim you’re owed funds and just need to confirm personal details. That’s when they request Social Security numbers, bank information, or login credentials. Once they have it, identity theft can follow. College students are also being targeted, with fake claims about unpaid federal student taxes.
Officials stress a simple but critical point. The real IRS does not initiate contact through phone calls, texts, or social media messages. Initial communication comes by mail. The agency does not demand immediate payment over the phone. And it does not require specific payment methods like gift cards or wire transfers.
Cybersecurity experts add that filing early can help reduce risk. Criminals sometimes use stolen Social Security numbers to file fraudulent returns before the real taxpayer submits theirs. Filing promptly closes that window. Taxpayers can also request an Identity Protection PIN through the IRS, adding another layer of defense against fraudulent filings.
Why does this matter? Because tax filings contain some of the most sensitive financial data a person has. Income details. Banking information. Social Security numbers. If compromised, the consequences can stretch far beyond one filing season. It can take months, even years, to fully recover from identity theft.
The message from consumer advocates is clear. Slow down. Verify before responding. Never click suspicious links. And if you receive a call claiming to be from the IRS, hang up and contact the agency directly through official channels.
As tax season continues, the stakes are high and the scams are evolving. Stay vigilant, protect your information and continue watching for the latest updates as we track this developing story.
Read More:
0 Comments