Be Aware of Cyber Scams

Written by November 7, 2022

The IRS and partners at the Security Summit are encouraging taxpayers to be aware of potential scams that pose a risk to your sensitive information such as your Social Security numbers (SSN), Tax Identification numbers (TIN), etc. 

The last month of October was the Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and since then the IRS has successfully identified thousands of online domains that have sent texting scams, also known as “smishing,” specifically targeting taxpayers. 

The COVID relief payments, tax credits, and now student loan forgiveness have presented opportunities for scammers to send unknowing taxpayers fraudulent messages luring them into such relief, credits, and forgiveness by gathering their personal data and information to set up an online IRS account. Anyone who has or may receive these messages are highly encouraged to report them to phishing@irs.gov to avoid others from falling victim to this dangerous scheme. 

Common ways current “smishing” scams have taken place are by sending a link or phone number for taxpayers to use wherein scammers will collect their personal and/or financial information. The IRS will never contact you via email or text—only mail—so know that no IRS agent will ever be trying to contact you through these means. 

To report the IRS-related smishing, the IRS lists the following procedures:

  1. Send an email to phishing@irs.gov
  2. Copy the caller ID number or email address
  3. Paste the number or email address into the email
  4. Press & hold the SMS/text message to “Copy” it 
  5. “Paste” the message into the email and include any screenshots, if possible
  6. Try to include the exact date, time, and time zone and telephone number that you received in the message 
  7. Send the email to phishing@irs.gov 

Note: This information cannot take the place of advice from a lawyer. Each case is different and needs individual legal advice. You should contact the LITC or a private attorney if you need representation on a tax matter or if you have questions.

~Tia Bentivegna

Source: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-warns-taxpayers-to-stay-vigilant-as-texting-scams-surge