The IRS has identified a number of scams (the IRS calls them the "Dirty Dozen") in which sharp promoters incorrectly advise taxpayers to claim certain types of write-offs. Here are some types of situations that the IRS has over the years cautioned taxpayers againts:
- Pandemic-related scams. They include Economic Impact Payment thefts where scammers try through text messages, phone calls, or email to obtain bank account information.
- Phishing. Scammers purporting to be from the IRS send e-mails seeking to obtain personal information used for identity theft. The IRS never contacts taxapyers by e-mail without prior notice fo the communication the IRS already has taxpayer's personal information.
- Pervasis telephone scams. Callers pretend to be from the IRS in order to steal money or identities ("Vishing"). If you know you don't owe money (i.e., you never received a bill from the IRS), don't respond. Instead, call the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484 to report the call.
- Identity Theft. Thieves are looking or ways to use a legititmate taxpayer's identity and personal information to file a tax return and claim a fraudulent refund. Avoid problems with obtaining your legitimate refund by safeguarding your tax information; contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit.
