1. They contact you. The IRS will not reach out to you unless you contact them first. You can safely ignore any unsolicited message claiming to be from the IRS.
2. You receive a pre-recorded voicemail. Using robocalls is a classic way for scammers to initiate contact.
3. You receive threats of any kind. IRS agents will never threaten you with fines or criminal prosecution if you don’t comply with their instructions. 
4. You’re asked to pay using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Tax payments should be made using other more secure methods, including bank transfers and checks. 
5. You’re asked to provide sensitive personal or financial information. The IRS should already know your name, SSN, phone number, etc. If someone can’t provide basic information about you, it’s a scam.
6. They give you a form that’s not on the IRS website. Double-check any form against the original on the IRS website. If there are any modifications, or if you can’t find the form online, it’s a scam. 
7. They don’t know what an HSPD-12 card is, or they can’t provide their government-issued badge number. If an IRS agent visits you in person, they’re required to show an official Federal identity card. Make sure you take down any badge or employee numbers for your own records.

Were You Targeted by an IRS Scam? Here’s What To Do

If a tax scammer got to you, time is of the essence. 

First, call your financial institutions to notify them of the fraud, and place a credit freeze with all three major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. This prevents scammers from opening accounts or taking out loans in your name.

Next, change your passwords and secure your online accounts with two-factor authentication (2FA). Many scammers use your personal information to gain access to other sensitive accounts, such as your email, bank, or social media.   

After that, you’ll want to report your experience to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and IdentityTheft.gov. Contacting local law enforcement agencies to report details of the incident is also highly recommended. 

Finally, you’ll want to monitor your sensitive information for signs of fraud. 

Aura’s award-winning identity theft protection solution monitors your financial accounts (i.e., credit, bank, investment) and sensitive information (SSN, name, address, etc.) and alerts you in near real-time to any suspicious activity. 

Aura also protects your data and devices with powerful digital security tools like antivirus software, a virtual private network (VPN), and secure password manager. And if the worst should happen, you’re covered for up to $1 million in eligible losses due to identity theft.

Zoom out: For a complete list of recovery protocols, use this fraud recovery checklist and follow all the steps for maximum protection.

How To Stay Safe When Filing Your Taxes This Year 

Tax season is stressful enough without the looming possibility of being targeted by a cybercriminal. That said, a few safety tips can provide much-needed peace of mind as you prepare your taxes this year. 

Here are some best anti-scam practices when it comes to IRS impersonators:

• File your taxes early. The earlier you file, the harder it is for scammers to file fraudulently using your information. 
• Verify the legitimacy of anyone who contacts you about your taxes. Contact the IRS independently to confirm the agent’s information before you proceed. 
• Keep your SSN secure by not sharing it with anyone via phone, email, or text. Here’s what to do if you think someone has (or is using) your SSN.
• Never respond to unsolicited calls, texts, emails, or social media messages. If anyone claims to be from the IRS, hang up and call the agency back through its official channels listed on IRS.gov.
• Learn the warning signs of online scammers. Fraudsters use the same tactics and social engineering attacks to target their victims. 
• Regularly monitor your credit score, bank account, and personal finances. Aura keeps tabs on your most sensitive accounts for you so that you don’t have to worry about missing the warning signs of fraud. 
• Thoroughly vet any tax professional before working with them. Make sure the person or company has the proper credentials — and that they sign your tax return when submitting it. 
• Protect yourself from online threats by using antivirus software, VPN, and Safe Browsing tools. Aura’s full suite of easy-to-use digital security tools can keep your private information safe from hackers and scammers. 
• Scan the Dark Web for your personal information. If your email, SSN, phone number or other information has been leaked in a recent data breach, you could be at higher risk of identity theft and other scams. 

Consider signing up for an identity theft protection solution. Aura can help keep you and your family safe this tax season. Learn more about how Aura works and how you can begin using all of Aura’s top-rated features today to see it’s right for you.