Be aware of Tax Time scams
Tax scams increase this time of the year when people are filing taxes and waiting for refunds. Be wary of any communication claiming there is an error on your tax forms or filing, asking you for any personal information, or asking you to confirm your bank account for any deposit.
Warning signs of tax scams can include unsolicited demands of immediate payment, threats of arrest or legal action, and requests for payment via gift cards or other non-authorized IRS payment methods.
The IRS primarily contacts taxpayers by mail. They may contact you by phone after sending a bill in the mail, but they will never demand immediate payment or threaten legal action.
ACTION STEPS:
- Do not respond to texts, calls, or emails claiming to be from the IRS or DOR before you Pause, Verify, and Report: Pause before you open a link or attachment that seems suspicious, Verify that requests are legitimate, Report suspicious emails or requests. Call the official IRS and DOR telephone number or visit their help websites at https://www.irs.gov/ and https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-revenue to determine further next steps or confirm any mailing.
- Contact the IRS at the individual taxpayer line (800) 829-1040 or check out https://www.irs.gov/help/let-us-help-you for information on scams.
See our CTR Cyber page for more cybersecurity internal controls and contact [email protected] with any incidents or suspected incidents of fraud or cyber threats or if you need support from our Statewide Risk Management Team.