Tax season tends to put everyone in “check your email” mode. You are watching for documents, waiting on forms, maybe keeping an eye out for that refund notification. Scammers know this, and they count on people being busy and a little distracted.
Every year around this time we see a noticeable increase in phishing emails and fake messages related to taxes. The goal of this post is not to scare you. It is simply to help you recognize the signs so you can avoid a headache later.
Let’s start with something that surprises a lot of people:
The IRS does not contact taxpayers by phone, email, text message, or social media to request personal or financial information.
So if you receive a message claiming to be from the IRS that asks you to click a link or provide sensitive details, you can safely assume it is not legitimate.
What These Scams Usually Look Like
Many of the messages are designed to create an emotional reaction. Sometimes it is excitement, like being told your refund is ready. Other times it is panic, claiming your return was rejected or that you owe money immediately.
We have seen emails that look nearly identical to messages from well known tax software providers. Others pretend to be from an accountant and include an attachment labeled something like “Final Tax Document” or “Important Forms.”
There are even text messages now that say a deposit is waiting for you.
The common thread is simple: they want you to click before you think.
Trust Your Instincts
You do not need a technical background to spot most scams. Often it comes down to pausing for a moment and asking, “Was I expecting this?”
If a message feels rushed, overly dramatic, or just slightly off, trust that feeling.
Maybe the greeting is generic. Maybe the wording sounds strange. Maybe the email address does not quite match. Maybe it is pushing you to log in through a link instead of going to the site yourself.
None of these things alone guarantee it is a scam, but together they are strong clues that it is not worth the risk.
The Safest Way to Handle Unexpected Messages
When something tax related shows up unexpectedly, the safest move is usually the simplest one: do not interact with it.
Skip the link. Ignore the attachment. Do not reply.
If you want to verify whether something is real, open your browser and go directly to the company’s website by typing the address yourself. Or call the organization using a phone number you already trust.
Taking that extra 30 seconds can save you hours of frustration.
“But… What If I Already Clicked?”
First, take a breath. You are far from the only person this has happened to.
What matters most is responding quickly. The sooner a suspicious download, login, or form submission is looked at, the better the chances of preventing bigger issues.
If something feels off after clicking, it is a smart idea to have your device checked and your passwords reviewed. Think of it like catching a small leak before it turns into water damage.
A Little Awareness Goes a Long Way
Scammers are constantly adjusting their tactics, but the good news is that most attacks still rely on the same thing: hoping someone reacts without slowing down.
You do not have to be a cybersecurity expert to stay safe. Staying skeptical of unexpected messages and avoiding surprise links already puts you ahead of the game.
Tax season should be about getting your paperwork done and moving on with your life, not dealing with fraud.
And remember, if you ever want a second opinion on something suspicious, it is always okay to ask. A quick check can provide a lot of peace of mind.
