| Every year during tax season, tax refund scams become one of the most popular ways for fraudsters to steal money and victims’ identities. Fraudsters prey on the stress of paying taxes or talking to the IRS to steal sensitive information and file fraudulent tax returns. HOW TO IDENTIFY THREAT: The fraudster will contact a victim via text, email, or social media, impersonating an IRS agent. Fraudsters will claim that the IRS has approved the victim’s tax refund claim and will need to verify the victim’s identity in order to send the funds. The fraudster will then send the victim a link where the victim is prompted to send funds to the fraudster (or to a money mule) or enter personal information such as their social security number or bank account numbers. HOW TO PROTECT AGAINST THIS THREAT: Fraudsters are trying to create a sense of urgency with their victims, pressuring them to act quickly. Financial institutions should ask their customers questions to determine the circumstances surrounding large or otherwise abnormal funds transfers. If the institution suspects fraud, the institution will counsel the account holder regarding fraud scams, share resources including the links below, and suggest the victim contact the IRS. The IRS will never contact a person via text, email, or social media to gather personal information; do not respond to or open any links from any unrecognized text or email. If the victim notices a tax return was filed in their name or someone claims the victim owes them taxes, the victim should contact the IRS immediately. Victims should monitor their bank accounts, financial information, and other sensitive information for fraud. |
Routing Number: 321380001