Protect Your Identity This Tax Season

It’s that time of year again…tax season, and according to the IRS, tax-related scams increase during this time of year. Phishing is one of the most common scams during tax season. Fraudsters might attempt to lure unsuspecting tax payers to a fraudulent website by distributing an official-looking email purportedly from the IRS. Once on the website, the unsuspecting taxpayer would be asked to divulge personal and financial information, such as a Social Security number, checking account information or a credit card number.

Another common phishing scam that is widespread during tax season is a, “You’re eligible to receive a federal tax refund for the amount of…” Again, the fraudster will send out a fraudulent email purportedly from the IRS, directing the unsuspecting recipient to a fraudulent website, where they’ll be asked to complete a form to submit the tax refund request. And again, the unsuspecting taxpayer will be asked for personal and financial information.

The IRS cautions consumers that it does not use email to initiate contact with taxpayers, unfortunately, not everyone heeds the warning. On today’s episode of Your Money, Your Matters, join radio personalities Linda Webb-Manon and Rick Grady, Cornerstone Credit Union League; Courtney Moran, Cornerstone Credit Union Foundation, and Todd Mark, Consumer Credit Counseling Services as we talk about how to guard and protect your most precious personal and financial information this tax season.

Your Money. Your Matters is a weekly show broadcasting every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to noon CST. The program examines financial issues of most importance to consumers. Tune in; share your thoughts; or gain helpful advice.