IRS says to beware of Holiday and Tax scams

The IRS is warning taxpayers to approach their holiday shopping with extra caution because scammers are also shopping, not for gifts, but rather for their next victim’s personal information.

December 2 – 6 is the ninth annual National Tax Security Awareness Week, which features tips for taxpayers and tax professionals to avoid scams and protect their sensitive data.

The special week is part of the Security Summit initiative, a joint effort between the IRS, states, the tax industry and tax professionals that works to protect taxpayers and the tax system against identity theft.

A common scam that circulates this time of year, according to the IRS, involves false messages made to look like they’re coming from delivery services.

Here's an example from the Federal Trade Commission:

*NOTE: Scammers may also use the names of another well-known shipping companies, such as the U.S. Postal Service and others.

In these scams, victims receive a text or email purporting to be from a company or business saying a delivery can’t be made along with a link to click to reschedule. But in reality, the link represents a form of phishing that attempts to steal personal information or download malware.

The IRS says it is a very prevalent scam expected to intensify during the holidays.

“The holiday shopping season and the fast-approaching tax season create a tempting target for identity thieves and scam artists,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel.

“Taxpayers should use extra caution this holiday season to protect their valuable personal and financial information, whether shopping online or clicking on links in email and other messages. A little extra caution can protect taxpayers’ confidential information and reduce the risk of identity theft in the upcoming filing season.”

Another common scam expected to intensify soon will involve emails pretending to be from the IRS or others in the tax industry.

These frequently involve unexpected, good news, like a tax refund. But they can also involve variants telling people they have a tax bill or have tax documents available to download.

“People need to be extra careful during the holidays and during tax season,” Werfel added.

“Identity thieves and tax scammers are shrewd and take advantage of what is on people’s minds, particularly during busy times of the year like the holidays. Remember, don’t click on anything unknown, even if you just ordered gifts and you’re expecting packages to come to your door soon. Double-check before you click.”

Generic scam image.