Avoiding Tax Scams

Tax season is known to bring out scammers looking to steal your information. To help avoid identify theft, here are strategies you can take to protect yourself from tax fraud.

Types of Tax Fraud

Fraudulent returns (identity theft): If a scammer manages to get a hold of your personal information, they can file a fraudulent tax return and steal your refund.
- Signs you may be a victim:
  - If you get a letter from the IRS about multiple returns or a failed e-file attempt, it might be an indication a fraudster is trying to file a fraudulent return in your name.
  - If you try to file online and are unable to do so, that could mean a fraudster has already filed a return under your name.
Phishing: Scammers can pretend to be IRS agents, accountants, or other types of financial professionals who request your personal information. These fraudsters will often ask you to act immediately or use threats to convince you to give up your information. Keep in mind, Wescom or the IRS will never contact you by email, text messages, or social media channels to request personal or financial information. Additionally, the IRS does not accept non-traditional methods of receiving payment for back taxes owed, such as gift cards or Zelle^® transfers.
Illegitimate relief/servicing companies: Companies may offer to help you get a larger refund, but then charge high fees or don't follow through with their service.

Tips to Prevent Tax Fraud

File early. Then there's less of a timeframe for a fraudster to file under your name.
Set up alerts. Wescom offers free account and card purchase alerts so you can detect unauthorizedtransactions quickly.
Read the fine print. Make sure to research the company, read reviews, and take a look at the fine print before signing or committing to anything.
Don't answer. Know that Wescom or the IRS will never call, text or email you to request passwords, your account number, debit card number, credit card number, PINs, full Social Security number, online banking credentials, or any one-time verification codes — even if the caller or sender says (or looks like) they're from Wescom or the IRS. If you receive a call from a phone number that looks like it's from Wescom or the IRS and are unsure of the identity of a person claiming to be a Wescom representative, hang up and call us back at 1-888-4WESCOM (1-888-493-7266).

For more security tips, visit our Security Center.