Fraud prevention
Tax Season Scams: Verify Before You Respond
Tax-related messages can use deadlines and refund promises to pressure people into sharing personal information or sending money. Take time to verify any unexpected notice before responding.
Common approaches
- Messages claiming you must pay immediately to avoid arrest or penalties.
- Refund offers that ask for identity or banking details through an unfamiliar link.
- Calls pretending to be a tax agency and demanding gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
Verify notices independently
Do not rely on a phone number or link in a message you did not expect. Visit the official agency website by entering its address yourself or use contact details from prior official correspondence. A tax professional can help you understand a notice and your options.
Protect your information
Use unique passwords, secure your email account, and avoid sending identity documents over an unverified channel. If you shared information or made a payment, contact your financial institution through an official channel and keep the related messages and transaction records.
See Noven CreditUnion’s security and fraud awareness guidance.