We’re 19 days from April 15, and tax scams are in full force. I only send a Current Alert when there’s something serious you need to know about, and right now, criminals are pulling out all the stops. 

The bad news? Their tricks are better than ever. The good news is you have me to help you spot the scams, protect your information and keep your hard-earned money safe.

This security alert is free to you in partnership with ExpressVPN. Hit this link for an extra four months free. More below!

The phone rings, and it’s an agent from your local IRS office with bad news. Someone filed in your name. But don’t worry, they can help you sort it out in just a few minutes. Now, what’s your Social Security number?

You read my newsletters, so hopefully you read that and thought, “Nope, it’s a scam.” It sure is, and it’s one of the tactics savvy criminals use to fool people into handing over incredibly valuable information. 

It happens every year, but advances in tech — like AI voice changers that make someone across the world sound like a guy from your hometown — make these tricks harder and harder to spot. Here’s what you need to know right now.

I find the IRS taxing

Falling for a tax scam could cost you more than just your refund. Here are the most common ways they start:

• Fake communications: It could be an email, text or even social media message. The IRS doesn’t initiate contact about a bill or tax refund that way, and they’ll never ask you to send financial information via text or email.
• Fake “helpers”: If a friendly stranger offers to help you set up an online account at IRS.gov or get your refund faster, they’re scamming you.
• Fake tax preparers: If a tax preparer is unwilling to sign your tax return, they’re breaking the law. Check your preparer’s credentials here.
• Fake tax advice: If someone encourages you to file false tax credits, claim false wages or otherwise lie on your return, it’s not a “smart” hack. That’s illegal. This junk is all over social media.
• Fake charities: You donate to a charity you think is real, but your money and details go to a scammer. And your charitable tax deduction? It won’t count. 

Protect yourself

OK, now that you know how they weasel in, let’s talk about how you can keep yourself safe.

Get an Identity Protection PIN: An IP PIN is a six-digit number that replaces your SSN or ITIN on your tax return. Getting one is an extra step every year, but it’s so worth it. It means no one can file a fraudulent return on your behalf, even if they have your SSN. Victims of identity theft are automatically enrolled in this program. Everyone else can apply online.

Use Direct File if you can: Cut out the middleman and file your taxes directly with Uncle Sam. Check here to see if you qualify. It’s available in 25 states.

File using vetted tax software: For Pete’s sake, please don’t Google “cheapest way to file taxes.” Use software that’s tried, tested and approved by the IRS. The top dogs are TurboTax (30% off) and H&R Block (35% off). Get the version that suits your needs, and don’t forget about your state return!

Quick hits

If you only retain one thing from this email, let it be this quick list:

• Reminder: The IRS won’t call, text or email you to demand payment.
• Never click on a link in an email from the “IRS.” Visit irs.gov directly to be safe.
• If you get a call from someone claiming to be the IRS, hang up and call back using the number on the official website. Here’s the number for you: 1‑800‑829‑1040.
• Beware of anyone (besides a registered tax preparer) who says they can save you money when dealing with the IRS.

Folks, even the savviest among us can be scammed. Share this with someone who could use a reminder about these types of scammers right now. Let’s keep each other safe.

Taxes are complicated, but privacy is easy

What you do online should be your business. That’s not the world we live in, though. Your internet service provider can see every site you visit, even in incognito mode, and your data is routinely packaged up and sold to the highest bidder.

A VPN, or virtual private network, encrypts your data and hides your IP address, giving you an extra layer of protection from snoops, advertisers and Big Tech companies looking to profit off you.

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My recommendation, ExpressVPN, uses TrustedServer technology. None of your data is ever saved to its hard drive. ExpressVPN’s servers run on RAM or volatile memory that is cleared each time the server is reset.

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