Irs email scams 2023

IRS Email Scams 2023: What You Need to Know

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued warnings about email scams that are becoming increasingly sophisticated and convincing. These scams aim to trick taxpayers into revealing sensitive information or making payments to fraudulent accounts. Here's what you need to know about IRS email scams in 2023:

Types of IRS Email Scams:

  1. Phishing Scams: Scammers send emails that appear to be from the IRS, asking for personal and financial information, such as Social Security numbers, passwords, and credit card numbers.
  2. Fake Tax Refunds: Scammers send emails claiming that you're eligible for a tax refund, but you need to provide personal and financial information to receive it.
  3. Tax Audit Scams: Scammers send emails claiming that you're being audited by the IRS and need to pay a fine or penalty to avoid legal action.
  4. Tax Preparation Scams: Scammers send emails offering fake tax preparation services, claiming to be authorized by the IRS.

Red Flags:

  1. Urgency: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming that you need to take immediate action to avoid penalties or fines.
  2. Poor Grammar and Spelling: Legitimate IRS communications are professional and free of errors.
  3. Unsolicited Emails: The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers via email. If you receive an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, it's likely a scam.
  4. Suspicious Links and Attachments: Scammers may include links or attachments that can download malware or steal your information.

How to Protect Yourself:

  1. Be Cautious: Be wary of unsolicited emails claiming to be from the IRS.
  2. Verify the Email: Check the email address to ensure it's an official IRS email (irs.gov).
  3. Don't Respond: Don't respond to suspicious emails or click on links or attachments.
  4. Report Scams: Report suspicious emails to the IRS at [email protected].
  5. Use Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts, and consider using a password manager.
  6. Keep Software Up-to-Date: Ensure your operating system, browser, and antivirus software are up-to-date to prevent malware infections.

What to Do if You've Been Scammed:

  1. Report the Scam: Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov.
  2. Contact the IRS: Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report the scam and seek guidance.
  3. Monitor Your Accounts: Closely monitor your bank and credit card accounts for suspicious activity.

Remember, the IRS will never initiate contact with you via email or text message. If you're unsure about the authenticity of an email or phone call claiming to be from the IRS, hang up or delete the email.