As the height of tax season approaches, fraudsters will be ramping up their efforts to steal personal and financial information. At Androscoggin Bank, we’re committed to helping you safeguard your identity and finances so you can file with confidence. Here’s what you need to know:
Common Tax Scams to Watch For
- IRS Impersonation Calls – Generally, the IRS will mail you a bill first if you owe taxes. They certainly will never call you demanding immediate payment or access to sensitive, personal information. Additionally, you always have the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed and if the caller mentions prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, gift cards or third-party checks, it is almost certainly a scam.
- Fake Tax Refunds – If you receive an unexpected refund or request for account details, it could be a scam.
- Phishing Emails – Be cautious of emails pretending to be from tax professionals or the IRS asking for sensitive data; the IRS specifically will not initiate contact with you over email. If you do receive a suspicious email, do not click on any links or open any attachments.
How to Protect Yourself
- File Early – The sooner you file, the less opportunity fraudsters have to file a fake return in your name.
- Use Strong Passwords – Secure your tax-related accounts with complex passwords and multi-factor authentication.
- Verify Requests – If you receive a suspicious tax-related message, contact the IRS directly at irs.gov.
- Protecting Sensitive Documents – Avoid leaving tax-related paperwork in your mailbox or disposing of it without shredding.
What to Do If You’re a Victim
If you believe you’ve been targeted by tax fraud, report it immediately to the IRS by calling 1-800-908-4490 and monitor your bank accounts for suspicious activity. You can also report suspicious calls or emails by emailing phishing@irs.gov or contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
We’re also here to help; if you have any concerns about your accounts, contact your local branch or call us at 1-800-966-9172.
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