📢Scams & Safety: 10 Tax‑Season Warnings Everyone Should Know

 📢Scams & Safety: 10 Tax‑Season Warnings Everyone Should Know

_____________________________________________________________________

Tax season doesn’t just bring refunds…

It also brings scammers.

And every year, they get a little more convincing.

Texts, emails, phone calls — some of them look very real, especially when you’re already thinking about your taxes or waiting on a refund.

The good news?

Once you know what to look for, it becomes much easier to spot what’s real — and what’s not.

✦ ✦ ✦

🚫 1. The IRS Will Never Text You

If you get a text about your refund or taxes:

👉 It’s a scam

The IRS does not text about:

  • Refunds
  • Payments
  • Personal information 

✦ ✦ ✦

🎁 2. The IRS Will Never Ask for Gift Cards

This one is always a scam.

👉 The IRS will NEVER ask you to pay with:

  • Gift cards
  • Prepaid cards
  • Crypto

✦ ✦ ✦

🔐 3. They Won’t Ask for Your Bank Login

No legitimate agency will ever ask for:

  • Your username
  • Your password

👉 That’s an immediate red flag

✦ ✦ ✦

🚨 4. “Click Here for Your Refund” = Fake

If you get a message with a link to claim your refund:

👉 Don’t click it

Always go directly to the official IRS site instead.

✦ ✦ ✦

🧾 5. A Return Filed in Your Name = Red Flag

If you’re told a return was already filed:

👉 That could be identity theft

This is why filing early matters.

✦ ✦ ✦

📞 6. The IRS Won’t Call and Threaten You

Scammers use fear.

The real IRS:

  • Starts with mail
  • Doesn’t threaten
  • Doesn’t demand immediate payment 

✦ ✦ ✦

🔢 7. Never Text or Email Your SSN

Your Social Security Number should NEVER be sent through:

  • Text
  • Email
  • Social media

👉 It’s not secure

✦ ✦ ✦

📧 8. Always Check the Sender

Some scam emails look very real.

Before clicking anything:
👉 Check the actual email address

If something feels off — trust that instinct.

✦ ✦ ✦

📶 9. Don’t File on Public Wi-Fi

Public networks aren’t secure.

👉 Wait until you’re on a safe, private connection

✦ ✦ ✦

🧊 10. A Credit Freeze Can Help Protect You

Freezing your credit:

  • Helps prevent fraud
  • Adds an extra layer of protection

👉 It’s simple and worth considering

✦ ✦ ✦

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🌸Alicia’s Insight 🌸

This is one of those things I wish more people knew before tax season hits.

Because scammers don’t just rely on technology —
they rely on stress.

They know people are:

  • Waiting on money
  • Unsure about taxes
  • Trying to do the right thing

And they use that.

The good news is:
Once you know what the IRS will never do, it becomes a lot easier to spot what isn’t real.

✦ ✦ ✦

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✨ Final Thoughts

You don’t need to know every scam out there —
you just need to know the basics.

When you understand how the IRS actually communicates, you can avoid most of these situations completely.

And if something ever feels off, it’s always okay to pause and double-check.

I’m here to help you sort through it — safely and simply.

✦ ✦ ✦

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📄 Printable Titles

Tax Scam Red Flags: Quick Guide

Scam Prevention Checklist

✦ ✦ ✦

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© Alicia’s Tax Tips 
Clear, friendly guidance for real people.

If you decide you'd like help, you can visit my “Get Started” page for the next steps.

This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws change over time, and every taxpayer's situation is unique. If you have questions about your specific circumstances, consult a qualified tax professional.

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