How to Avoid Getting Scammed This Tax Season
Knowledge Is Power
By Liberty Bank
Tax season is here, and it requires us to be extra vigilant. Identity theft campaigns are common at this time of year.
Cyber criminals and fraudsters often rely on social engineering techniques to trick innocent victims into giving them personal information. This information can be provided directly or through a fake website for the IRS, or a fake website for tax returns.
At Liberty Bank, we want to provide you with information that will help you better recognize identify theft campaigns and ultimately avoid them.
“It helps when you know what to look for,” said Craig Bernier, Liberty Bank’s chief Information Security officer. “Vigilance and knowledge are important when it comes to avoiding scams. Before sharing your personal information with anyone, be sure to verify their legitimacy and do your research.”
Craig Bernier
“It helps when you know what to look for. Vigilance and knowledge are important when it comes to avoiding scams. Before sharing your personal information with anyone, be sure to verify their legitimacy and do your research.”
What to Know for 2026
Changes to tax filing programs and the discontinuation of a free government-run filing system can be confusing. Some taxpayers are uncertain what is legitimate, and scammers are taking advantage by creating “new filing options” and “tax program and eligibility updates.”
Scammers often use messages that advertise fake refunds or feature account alert messages that claim something is wrong. They rely on the pressures of tax season and are trying to create anxiety by making you believe that something is wrong with your tax return.
Some scammers promote fraudulent tax assistance by presenting themselves as legitimate government-backed or low-cost help.
Scammers use all available methods, such as phone calls, texts, emails, and social media posts to dupe taxpayers.
Tips to Avoid Scams
• Look for phrases such as “new rules” and “urgent account issue.” These phrases are designed to induce panic and quick responses.
• Take your time when evaluating any messages regarding your taxes and verify a message’s authenticity through a trusted third party.
• Do not click on any links, reply to any messages, or call any numbers included in suspicious communications. Instead, go directly to irs.gov for guidance.
• Remember, the IRS will never email you, text you, or contact you via social media. It will also never pressure you to do something immediately.
• It’s important to note that scam messages and emails may look real and may even have an IRS-style logo and ‘case’ number. Aspects of an email may look legitimate at first glance, but the email may ultimately be fake.
For more information about fraud protection and prevention, visit www.liberty-bank.com/personal/fraud-protection-prevention.
