Tax scams come in phishing emails, phone calls, and even text messages or social media posts. The IRS will not contact you about payments without first mailing you a tax bill, and will not demand payment to a source other than the U.S. Treasury. IRS calls will inform you of the rights and appeals processes for taxpayers.
Some specific things to watch out for include:
- Demands for immediate payment, especially in forms like prepaid gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
- High-pressure tactics and threats to send local authorities after you or suspend driver and business licenses.
- Calls asking you to provide personal and financial information.
Scammers frequently impersonate the IRS, and sometimes even U-M officials, in their email or calls. When in doubt, call the IRS to confirm your tax status.
Learn more at:
- Beware of Tax Fraud (Safe Computing website)
- Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts (IRS website)
