The IRS warns of holiday season scams aimed at stealing personal financial information from taxpayers as they prepare for next year’s tax season.
At a Glance
- Taxpayers should be cautious of gift card scams, especially during the holiday season.
- The IRS never requests or accepts gift cards as payment for tax bills.
- Scammers often impersonate government officials to deceive taxpayers.
- Victims should report scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
Gift Card Scams and Impersonation
The IRS alerts taxpayers to the rise in gift card scams during the holiday season. These scams often involve impersonators posing as IRS agents or other officials, demanding immediate payment using specific methods like gift cards. It’s critical to remember that the IRS never requests or accepts payment in this manner. Taxpayers should remain vigilant, ensuring they never provide sensitive information to unsolicited contacts.
The approaching holiday and tax seasons make taxpayers prime targets for identity thieves and scam artists. Scammers exploit the festive season’s good cheer, sending phishing emails and making dubious phone calls to trick individuals into revealing confidential information. These attacks become more frequent as the tax filing season approaches.
Be cautious this holiday season – scammers are on the prowl for your personal information. This National #TaxSecurity Awareness Week, Dec. 2-6, #IRS and the Security Summit urge you to recognize and avoid these common scams and cyber threats: https://t.co/G7jdeP2dR7 pic.twitter.com/Lgg9yoITsk
— IRSnews (@IRSnews) December 1, 2024
Prevention and Protection
IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel advises taxpayers to use extra caution this holiday season when managing personal and financial information. Whether shopping online or responding to email links, a bit of vigilance can protect against identity theft during the upcoming filing period. The IRS emphasizes using secure websites, avoiding public Wi-Fi, updating security software, and embracing strong, unique passwords to enhance security.
Utilizing multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security for online transactions, further securing personal data. As scams become more sophisticated, it is essential to stay informed and prepared against potential threats.
Reporting Scams and Webinars
Victims of IRS-related scams should promptly report incidents to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration or the Federal Trade Commission. Swift reporting can help mitigate further risks and aid in recovering compromised information. Furthermore, the IRS will host a webinar on December 3rd addressing identity theft and scams, offering invaluable insights during this vulnerable period.
“The holiday shopping season and the fast-approaching tax season create a tempting target for identity thieves and scam artists.” – IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel
Staying informed and cautious is key as we head into a season of cheer and generosity. By following IRS recommendations, taxpayers can secure their sensitive financial information, preventing headaches and potential financial stress this tax season.
