How to Spot a Tax Scam

As tax season rolls around, so do the scams. Cybercriminals are well aware of the stress and urgency people feel when filing returns, and they take full advantage of it. Their number one tactic? Pretending to be the IRS or U.S. Treasury Department to steal your most sensitive personal and financial information.

These scams are increasingly polished. Many contain real IRS branding, forged sender addresses, and legitimate-looking websites. They prey on fear, urgency, and even curiosity—because who wouldn’t click a message that says "You’re owed a refund"?

Whether you're an individual taxpayer or a small business owner, recognizing these threats isn't optional. It's critical. And if you know what to look for, you can stop these scams before they do serious damage.

Why Tax Scams Are So Dangerous

Scammers aren’t just after your email password. They want your Social Security number, bank account credentials, credit card data, and even access to your payroll or tax filing systems. With just a few clicks, they can commit identity theft, drain your accounts, file false returns, or impersonate your business.

Tax scams are timed carefully and crafted to look real. Many people fall for them without even realizing they’ve been compromised until weeks or months later. If the scam reaches your business, the damage could include legal liability, loss of client trust, and expensive data breach remediation.

Cybercriminals depend on confusion and silence. But when you know what to watch for, you’re in control.

Red Flags That Scream "Scam" 

Tax scams come in different forms, but the warning signs are surprisingly consistent. 

Watch for:

• Unexpected IRS or Treasury emails. The IRS rarely emails people out of the blue. If you haven’t initiated contact, it’s likely fake.

• Requests for personal or financial info. The IRS will never ask for your SSN, bank account, or credit card details via email, text, or social media.

• Threatening language or urgent calls to action. Messages that mention "final notice," "legal action," or "immediate liability" are designed to scare you into acting fast—and unwisely.

• Too-good-to-be-true promises. If someone offers you a refund, inheritance, or prize money in exchange for filling out a form, it's likely a scam.

• Suspicious links. Only trust URLs that start with "https://www.irs.gov". Anything else is suspect.

• Poor grammar or strange phrasing. Many phishing campaigns originate overseas and are riddled with awkward language.

• Unsolicited attachments. These often contain malware that can hijack your device, steal files, or give scammers remote access.

What the IRS Will Never Do

Understanding how the real IRS operates can help you immediately identify a fake.

• The IRS will not email you to request personal or financial information.

• They will not contact you via text, social media, or messaging apps.

• The IRS will not call you demanding immediate payment or threaten legal action.

• They will never request payment in gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers.

Instead, the IRS contacts taxpayers via official U.S. Mail. Letters will include a notice or letter number that you can verify at IRS.gov. Real IRS communication is patient, process-based, and documented—not rushed, threatening, or vague.

What To Do If You Suspect a Scam

If you receive a message that seems suspicious:

1. Don’t engage. Don’t reply, click links, or download attachments.

2. Hover over links. Preview where they lead. If it doesn’t clearly point to the IRS website, don’t trust it.

3. Report the message. Forward suspicious emails to phishing@irs.gov.

4. Delete it. After forwarding, remove the message completely.

5. Verify through official tools. Go directly to www.irs.gov and use resources like “Where’s My Refund?” to verify claims.

6. Run a security scan. If you clicked anything, scan your device for malware and reset passwords as needed.

Scammers are betting on your panic. Don’t give them the satisfaction.

Business Owners: One Click Can Cost You Everything

If you run a business, especially in a sensitive industry like finance, healthcare, or law, you have even more to lose. One employee falling for a phishing scam can lead to payroll data leaks, client information exposure, and massive reputational damage.

Make tax scam awareness part of your workplace culture. Train your team. Test them. Build offboarding and access controls that minimize damage when someone leaves. Cybersecurity is everyone’s job—and education is your best firewall.

Final Thoughts

Scammers are smart. But you can be smarter.

Spotting red flags, verifying sources, and taking your time to think before you click puts you back in control. Share this knowledge with your team, your clients, and your family. Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting data—it’s about protecting peace of mind.

If you want help training your team or securing your business from phishing and IRS impersonation scams, reach out. I offer practical, real-world strategies that protect what matters.

Roman Golshteyn, CISSP

The Computer Guy, LLC