Taxpayers now need to keep themselves safe from tax scammers not only during the tax filing season, but throughout the year. With the IRS phone scam plaguing the nation during this year’s tax season, taxpayers need to know how to keep their information and money from falling into the hands of scammers.

Tax scammers are looking to steal either your identity or your money. To achieve that aim, they may pretend to be the IRS, a bank, or a financial institution. Therefore, if you receive an unexpected phone call, a message or a visit from a well-known institution, refrain from sharing any information with the person or transfer any amount of money. If the person threatens or intimidates you in any way, then there are greater chances of it being a scam.

Giving yourself time to reflect will give you the opportunity to authenticate the identity of the other person. It is best not to be aggressive, as you are not sure if it is a scam attack or a legitimate agency communicating with you. Buy time and do a little research to discover the real identity of the person or the institution.

Scammers do not like postponement, as they fear exposure. Therefore, postponing your decision, while keeping your information and money safe, is a safe way to handle unsolicited calls, messages or visits.