Each year, hackers and criminals take advantage of innocent taxpayers who are patiently waiting on their tax return. The IRS has reported a significant increase in phishing attempts to steal money/tax data last year, so it is important to be on the look out this year.
Here are some tips you can follow this tax season:
- The IRS will always mail a bill before calling you about taxes owed
- The IRS will never ask for credit or debit information over the phone
- The IRS will never immediately threaten to arrest you for not paying taxes owed
- The IRS will always offer the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed before demanding your payment
- The IRS does not use emails or texts to discuss personal tax matters, such as taxes owed or tax refunds
- Only conduct financial business over trusted sites and networks. Don’t use public, guest, free, or insecure Wi-Fi networks
- Check your financial account statements and credit report regularly for unauthorized activity