IRS Alerts Taxpayers to Holiday Scams: Protect Your Personal Information

The IRS is sounding the alarm on holiday scams that could jeopardize taxpayers’ financial security and personal information.

At a Glance

IRS warns of increased scam activity during holiday and tax seasons
Scammers often impersonate IRS officials and demand gift card payments
The IRS never requests immediate payment via gift cards or wire transfers
Taxpayers should be cautious of phishing emails and fake delivery alerts
Victims should report scams to the Treasury Inspector General or FTC

Holiday Cheer Meets Festive Fear: IRS Warns of Seasonal Scams

As the holiday season approaches, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is issuing a stark warning to taxpayers about the surge in scams targeting their personal and financial information. With increased spending and online activity during this festive period, scammers are ramping up their efforts to exploit unsuspecting individuals.

IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel emphasizes the heightened risk during this time of year, stating, “The holiday shopping season and the fast-approaching tax season create a tempting target for identity thieves and scam artists.” This warning underscores the need for vigilance as consumers navigate both holiday shopping and preparation for the upcoming tax season.

Be cautious this holiday season – scammers are on the prowl for your personal information. This National #TaxSecurity Awareness Week, Dec. 2-6, #IRS and the Security Summit urge you to recognize and avoid these common scams and cyber threats: https://t.co/G7jdeP2dR7 pic.twitter.com/Lgg9yoITsk

— IRSnews (@IRSnews) December 1, 2024

Gift Card Scams: A Favorite Tactic of Fraudsters

One of the most prevalent scams during the holiday season involves gift cards. Criminals often impersonate government officials or debt collectors, pressuring victims to make immediate payments using gift cards. The IRS is clear on this matter: they never request or accept gift cards as payment for tax bills.

“demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a gift card, prepaid debit card or wire transfer.” – IRS

Taxpayers should be wary of any unsolicited communication claiming to be from the IRS that demands immediate payment, especially through unconventional methods like gift cards or wire transfers. These are telltale signs of a scam, and individuals should report such incidents to the proper authorities immediately.

Phishing and Digital Deception

As online shopping reaches its peak during the holidays, scammers are deploying sophisticated phishing tactics to steal confidential information. These may include fake emails posing as shipping notifications or enticing holiday deals. The IRS advises extreme caution when clicking on links or providing personal information online.

“Taxpayers should use extra caution this holiday season to protect their valuable personal and financial information, whether shopping online or clicking on links in email and other messages. A little extra caution can protect taxpayers’ confidential information and reduce the risk of identity theft in the upcoming filing season.” – IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel

To protect against these digital threats, the IRS recommends using secure websites for online shopping, avoiding public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions, regularly updating security software, and employing strong, unique passwords for all accounts. Additionally, implementing multi-factor authentication can provide an extra layer of security for online accounts.

With holiday shopping in full swing and tax season approaching, the Internal Revenue Service is warning of increased scam efforts. https://t.co/pvethfIfC1

— KVOE (@KVOEAM1400) December 3, 2024

Protecting Yourself from Holiday Scams

Vigilance is key in safeguarding against holiday scams. The IRS emphasizes that they will never demand immediate payment or threaten law enforcement action for unpaid taxes. If you receive a suspicious call, email, or text claiming to be from the IRS, do not engage. Instead, report the incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration or the Federal Trade Commission.

For those concerned about potential identity theft, the IRS provides Form 14039 for reporting such suspicions. Early detection and reporting can significantly mitigate the damage caused by these fraudulent activities.

As we embrace the joy of the holiday season, let’s also embrace caution. By staying informed and alert, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from falling victim to these seasonal scams, ensuring a truly merry and secure holiday season.