The IRS has listed email "phishing" schemes as a top filing season concern and part of the annual listing of the "Dirty Dozen" tax scams for 2018, according to www.irs.gov.
The IRS warned taxpayers, businesses and tax professionals to be alert to fake emails or websites looking to steal personal information. These attempts can expand during tax season and remain a major identity theft threat.
Compiled annually by the IRS, the "Dirty Dozen" lists a variety of common scams that taxpayers may encounter any time during the year, but many of these schemes peak during filing season as people prepare their tax returns or seek help from tax professionals.
To help protect taxpayers, the IRS is highlighting each of these scams on 12 consecutive days to help raise awareness. The IRS also urges taxpayers to help protect themselves against identity theft by reviewing safety tips prepared by the Security Summit, a collaborative effort between the IRS, states and the private-sector tax community.
"We urge taxpayers to watch out for these tricky and dangerous schemes," says Acting IRS Commissioner David Kautter. "Phishing and other scams on the 'Dirty Dozen' list can trap unsuspecting taxpayers. Being cautious and taking basic security steps can help protect people and their sensitive tax and financial data."
For more information about new phishing schemes and how to respond, click here.
