Beware Of Tax Season Scams

Tax season has arrived, and with it the threat of tax-related scams.

The Internal Revenue Service reminds you to watch out for these warning signs:

• A big payday – If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Bad tax advice on social media may convince you to lie on tax forms or mislead you about credits you can claim.

• Demands or threats – Impersonators want you to pay “now or else.” They threaten arrest or deportation. They don’t let you question or appeal the amount of tax you owe.

• Website links – Odd or misspelled web links can take you to harmful sites instead of IRS.gov.

Taxpayers should also be aware of IRS impersonators. The IRS will never contact you using social media or text message. The first contact from the IRS usually comes in the mail.