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Tax Season Scams: How to Protect Yourself and Your Refund

Tax season is a busy time—not just for taxpayers, but for scammers too. Each year, fraudsters take advantage of the urgency and confusion surrounding taxes to steal personal information, money, or even entire tax refunds. Knowing what to watch for can help you stay one step ahead and keep your information secure.


Phone Calls Claiming You Owe Back Taxes

There have been multiple reports of phone scams where callers claim you owe back taxes and demand immediate payment. These calls often use fear tactics, threatening penalties, wage garnishment, or even arrest if you don’t act right away.

What to know:

  • The IRS will never initiate contact by phone to demand payment.
  • If you owe back taxes, the IRS will first contact you by mail.
  • Scammers often pressure you to pay immediately using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency—another major red flag.

If you receive an unexpected call claiming to be from the IRS, hang up. It’s a scam.

More Information from the FTC


Text and Email Tax Refund Scams

Another common tactic during tax season involves emails or text messages claiming to be about your tax refund. These messages may say:

  • Your refund is ready
  • Someone needs to “prepare” your tax return
  • You need to verify your identity to receive money
  • The IRS needs to “send you money”

The goal is to trick you into clicking a link or sharing personal information, so scammers can file a fraudulent tax return in your name and steal your refund.

What to know:

  • The IRS does not contact taxpayers by text message, email, or social media to request personal or financial information.
  • Any unexpected message about your tax refund should be treated as suspicious.

FTC Details on Tax-Related Text and Email Scams


Add an Extra Layer of Protection with an IRS Identity Protection PIN

To help protect against tax-related identity theft, the IRS offers an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). This is a six-digit number known only to you and the IRS. It prevents anyone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number or taxpayer identification number.

Why it matters:

  • Even if a scammer gets your personal information, they can’t file a tax return without your IP PIN.
  • It’s especially helpful if you’ve experienced identity theft or want added peace of mind.

Learn More or Sign Up for an IP PIN


Be Cautious When Choosing Tax Preparation Help

Scammers and unverified third parties may offer to “do your taxes for you,” sometimes promising bigger refunds or faster results. Handing over your personal and financial information to the wrong person can put you at serious risk.

What to know:

  • You can file your taxes for free directly through IRS-approved programs.
  • The IRS provides a list of trusted, approved e-file providers to help you avoid scams and unnecessary fees.
  • As an ECU member, you can save 10% on TurboTax when you file your taxes. Simply log in to Online Banking to get started.

Free Filing Options and Approved Providers


How to Know It’s Really the IRS

If you’re ever unsure whether a communication is legitimate, the IRS provides clear guidance on how and when they contact taxpayers.

Learn How to Identify Legitimate IRS Communications


Protect Yourself This Tax Season

  • Don’t respond to unexpected calls, texts, or emails about taxes
  • Never share personal or financial information unless you’ve verified the source
  • Use IRS-approved tools and providers
  • Consider adding an Identity Protection PIN for extra security

Staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself during tax season. If something feels urgent, threatening, or “too good to be true,” pause and verify before taking action.

Visit ecu.org/security to learn more.