As part of ongoing efforts to protect taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service reminds people that International Fraud Awareness Week serves as an important time to raise awareness of fraud and scams affecting taxpayers across the country. The IRS encourages individuals, businesses, and tax professionals to take time now to know the red flags of a scam, and to ensure defenses are in place to stop scammers.

One common scam from the IRS’ Dirty Dozen list is impersonation scams involving fake text messages, social media accounts, e-mail, and phone calls. It is important for your customers and members to know that the IRS does not:

• Initiate unexpected contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information. 
• Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. The IRS does not use these methods for tax payments.
• Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

Watching for these common scams can keep people from becoming victims of identity theft. Individuals should protect their sensitive personal information that can be used to file fraudulent tax returns and steal refunds.

Click the Read More button below for more information from irs.gov.