Imposter scams that lead to tax fraud and identity theft typically increase during tax season. Tax scams try to do two things: Get your money or your personal data. Scammers pretend to be someone they are not, such as an IRS agent, tax collector, or tax preparer to try to scare you or lure you in with the promise of more money.

Recognize the Red Flags

Beware of calls claiming to be from the IRS, especially if they involve threats or pressure to provide sensitive information.

It is important to recognize the most common red flags, which include:

• Any email, call, or text claiming to be from the IRS
• Messages using fear, urgency, or threats
• Messages claiming you are owed more money or owe more money
• Messages pressing you for sensitive information
• Demands requiring you pay in gift cards or crypto
• Any website or email address that is not IRS.gov
• Messages claiming you need to submit additional forms
• Messages claiming to be from other tax agencies

Remember the Basics

The IRS only accepts payments online at IRS.gov, and checks should only be made out to the U.S. Treasury, never IRS.

The IRS does not accept cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers. All checks should be made out to the U.S. Treasury, never IRS. The only place to make a payment online to the IRS is at IRS.gov and the IRS will never ask for credit or debit card details.

Do not trust unsolicited calls from government agencies. Tax collectors will not threaten you and they will not call, email, or text you for overdue payments.

The IRS does not send unsolicited emails, text messages or social media messages. Most communications are done via the U.S. Postal Service.

What to Do if You Get Scammed

If you fell for a scam, pick yourself up, brush yourself off and forgive yourself. Then get to work on the following action items:

• If you sent money: Cancel the transaction with your financial institution.
• If you provided banking or credit card information: Call the fraud department of the impacted company and then request to freeze or cancel your account.
• If someone files a tax return in your name: Fill out an Identity Theft affidavit, print it and then mail it with your tax return. You can also request a copy of the fraudulent return.
• If you are the victim of identity theft: File a report with the FTC and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
• If you get a scam email or text message (including requests for additional tax forms): Report scam emails to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov. Forward scam texts to 7726 and forward a screenshot of the message to phishing@irs.gov.

Visit the Zions Bank Security Center to learn more about how to stay safe online. And remember, your security is our top priority. We will never contact you asking for your financial or personal information. If you receive a message requesting sensitive information that claims to be from us, do not click any links and contact us at 800-726-7503.