Tax season often feels like scam season – and with good reason. Scammers ramp up their efforts during this time, targeting taxpayers with schemes like tax identity theft, IRS phishing, and fake tax preparer scams. According to a recent report by the National Taxpayer Advocate’s office, the IRS handled about 316,000 cases of taxpayer identity theft in 2025 alone. Unfortunately, resolving these cases took an average of 21 months – and with the IRS workforce down 27% from last year, that wait could be even longer this tax season.

So, how can you protect your tax refund and personal information?

Staying informed about the latest tax scams and knowing what red flags to watch for is key. Scammers constantly invent new tricks to steal your data, lure you into clicking malicious links, or convince you to send money to accounts that don’t belong to them.

IRS Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing Scams

These fraudulent attempts spike during tax filing season but can happen anytime. Scammers impersonate the IRS, tax prep companies, software providers, or state tax authorities like the Florida Department of Revenue. They send fake emails or texts designed to steal your confidential info like your Social Security number which they can then use for identity theft.

Often, these messages urge you to act fast, claiming your tax return is ready or the IRS needs more info, with links or attachments that install malware or lead to phishing sites. Some scammers even reach out via social media, pretending to be IRS or FBI agents, threatening arrest if you don’t comply immediately.

Remember: The IRS will always contact you by mail first. They only email or text you if you’ve given permission and there’s an ongoing issue.

Here’s a quick breakdown of common types of fraud attempts:

• Email phishing: Fake IRS emails with official logos and spoofed addresses, threatening false tax fraud accusations or promising bogus refunds.
• Smishing: Texts claiming your refund is on hold or your account shows suspicious activity, enticing you to respond.
• Vishing: Phone calls from imposters demanding immediate payment for unpaid taxes, often requesting payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency.

The “Help with Your Tax Return” Scam

Some scammers pose as third party service providers offering to set up an account with the IRS online, file your return, or help you get you a bigger refund. Instead, they steal your info and file fraudulent returns in your name, pocketing the refund.

Never agree to an unsolicited offer to help. Call third party providers directly and be sure to vet their legitimacy with an online search with the Florida Division of Corporations and the Better Business Bureau.

The “Confirm Your Information” Scam

Imposters may claim to be from the IRS, your bank, or an accounting firm, asking to “verify” your personal info. They want details like your name, address, and Social Security number to commit identity theft.

Remember, these entities would never reach out to verify information – they already have it. When in doubt, hang up and call your provider directly.

Social Media Scams

Social media isn’t the best place for tax advice. Scammers post bogus tips to gain followers or trick people into illegal filings. Watch out for phrases like “secret refund hacks” or “fake credits with huge payouts.”

Common scams include:

• W-2 form fraud: Filing false income and withholding info using fake employers.
• Schedule H misuse: Processing refunds for fake household employees by filing a schedule H (form 1040) claiming false sick and family medical leave wages.
• Form 8944 misuse: Using a form designed for use by tax preparers only to file via paper versus electronically. Scammers use form 8944, e-file Hardship Waiver Request, to claim a taxpayer is entitled to receive a refund even thought they’re not entitled to one.

Always verify credentials before trusting tax advice online. Certified public accountants or legitimate tax preparers are your best bet. For official forms and instructions, visit the IRS forms repository.

The Fake Charity Scam

Charity scams prey on your generosity, especially during disasters, promising tax deductions for donations to fake organizations to aid victims. Remember, deductions only apply to legitimate tax-exempt groups, and only if you itemize. Bogus charity scammers often target senior citizens and individuals with limited proficiency in English.

Avoid high-pressure donation tactics. Verify charities using the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS). Never share personal info like your Social Security number and avoid unusual payment methods like gift cards or wire transfers. Paying by check or credit card is safer.

“Ghost” Tax Preparers

These scammers pose as legitimate tax preparers offering low-cost tax prep but steal your identity or file false returns in your name. Check credentials through the IRS directory of legitimate tax preparers, online reviews, or the Better Business Bureau.

Reporting Fraud and Scams

Help fight tax fraud by reporting suspicious tax-related communications to the IRS, whether by email, mail, social media, text, phone, fax, or online. If you’re a cybercrime victim, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Cogent Bank – Partnering with You to Protect Against Fraud

For more tips on fraud and identity theft prevention, check out our blog post on Preventing ID Theft & Fraud and our Internet Banking Awareness page. Enable account alerts via online or mobile banking, and always use strong passwords and multifactor authentication.

If you suspect fraud or have questions, call us at 888-577-0404 or visit one of our Cogent banking centers across Florida. 

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for informational/educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this document may be those of the individuals and may not necessarily reflect those of Cogent Bancorp and its subsidiaries and affiliates, or the entities they may represent. Content contained herein may be used in connection with the advertising and/or marketing of products offered by Cogent Bank or Cogent Private Wealth. The material is not intended to provide or substitute for legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any Cogent Bank product or service. You should consult with a legal, financial, tax, or other appropriate professional(s) for your specific needs and/or objectives before making any decisions.