Tips to Avoid Tax Fraud Scams

Tax Fraud

Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen Social Security Number (SSN) to get a tax refund or a job. These tips can help you prevent and report tax identity theft:

Warning Signs

To prevent tax identity theft, be wary of any Internal Revenue Service (IRS) letter or notice that states:

• More than one tax return was filed using your SSN.
• You owe additional tax, you have had a tax refund offset, or you have had collection actions taken against you for a year you did not file a tax return.
• IRS records indicate you received wages from an employer unknown to you.

The IRS does not initiate contact with a taxpayer by sending an e-mail, text, or social message requesting personal or financial information.

• Should you get an e-mail that claims to be from the IRS, do not reply or click on any links. Instead, you should report it to the IRS. 
• The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) provides alerts and tips on how you can protect yourself against U.S. tax season phishing scams and malware campaigns. 

Dealing with Tax-Related Identity Theft

If you suspect someone used your Social Security Number (SSN) for a tax refund or a job—or the IRS sends you a letter or notice indicating a problem—take these steps:

• File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the lead federal agency for identity theft. You can also call the FTC Identity Theft Hotline at 1-877-438-4338 or TTY 1-866-653-4261.
• Contact one of the three major credit agencies to place a fraud alert on your credit records:
  • Equifax:1-888-766-0008
  • Experian:1-888-397-3742 
  • TransUnion:1-800-680-7289

• Contact your financial institutions, and close any accounts opened without your permission or tampered with.
• Respond immediately to any IRS notice; call the number provided. If instructed, go to the Identity Verification Service.
• Complete IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit; print, then mail or fax according to instructions.
• Continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return, even if you must do so by paper.