As we head into tax season PFCU would like to remind you that scammers use tax season to try and trick you into giving them personal information. It’s important to be aware of these scams to avoid becoming a victim.

Phone Scams

With the new tax season starting this week, the IRS reminds taxpayers to be aware that criminals continue to make aggressive calls posing as IRS agents in hopes of stealing taxpayer money or personal information.

Here are some telltale signs of a tax scam along with actions taxpayers can take if they receive a scam call.

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.

Text message scams

These scams are sent to taxpayers' smartphones and often contain bogus links. Other than IRS Secure Access, the IRS does not use text messages to discuss personal tax issues, such as those involving bills or refunds. The IRS also will not send taxpayers messages via social media platforms.

If a taxpayer receives an unsolicited SMS/text that appears to be from either the IRS or a program closely linked to the IRS, the taxpayer should take a screenshot of the text message and include the screenshot in an email to phishing@irs.gov with the following information:

• Date/time/time zone they received the text message
• Phone number that received the text message

The IRS reminds everyone NOT to click links or open attachments in unsolicited, suspicious or unexpected text messages – whether from the IRS, state tax agencies or others in the tax community.

Charity Fraud

In addition to cybercrime targeting charities, criminals who create fake charities are also a problem. Taxpayers should verify legitimate and qualified charities using the Tax Exempt Organization Search tool on IRS.gov. Donors should never feel pressured to give immediately.

PFCU Credit Union will never contact you requesting your personal information, including your social security number, account information, online banking information, etc. If someone contacts you asking for your personal information, hang up immediately and reach out to us at either 844-517-3611.

For more information visit the IRS website here.