Tax scammers use temptation of money and lies in order to obtain financial or personal information from unsuspecting taxpayers. Taxpayers can protect themselves from tax scams by researching the common methods scammers use and obtaining accurate information on the IRS’ programs and procedures.

From fraudulent tax preparers to fake charitable trusts, taxpayers can encounter tax scammers both on and offline. They mimic authentic organizations, such as the IRS or financial institutions to gain the trust of taxpayers.

To stay safe from scammers, taxpayers are advised to double check all the details of an organization or a person with whom they are sharing their tax information with. Any scheme that involves breaking tax laws must be avoided, even if it promises big gains. Tax evasion is illegal and can bring with it penalties or criminal prosecution.

If taxpayers receive any unsolicited email regarding their financial or tax information, they should never click on the links in the email or open attachments. Many online tax scams use phishing schemes to extract the tax sensitive information of taxpayers in order to file false tax returns on their behalf. Suspicious emails that ask for tax sensitive information should be forwarded to phishing@irs.gov.

Before responding to offers by unrecognized sources, taxpayers can check the details through phone, email or online research. Offers that are attractive and promises quick gains must be scrutinized. Many times, they are tax scams.