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DON'T FALL FOR IT!
IRS SCAMS ARE ON THE RISE
The DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) is warning residents about a surge in IRS tax scams. These con artists are getting clever, so it's crucial to stay vigilant.
How the Scammers Work
Imagine this: You see a yard sign promising huge tax refunds, or you get a call, text or email. It might say the IRS recalculated your refund (lucky you!) or that you suddenly owe money (uh oh!). They'll pressure you to "verify" your W-2 or hand over bank details, demanding immediate payment. They are masters of manipulation, creating fake urgency or weaving believable stories to trick you into giving up personal information like your Social Security number, driver's license, or even your online banking passwords.
The Cost of Deception
While it's hard to pin down the exact number of tax refund scams, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reveals a disturbing trend. In 2023 alone, DC residents lost a staggering $1,496,106 to government impersonation scams. That's money straight out of our community's pockets!
How to Protect Yourself: Be Scam Smart!
The best defense is knowing how these scammers operate. Remember these golden rules:
The IRS will NEVER:
- Call, text or email you out of the blue demanding your account information or immediate payment.
- Call, text or email threatening arrest or deportation if you don't cough up your tax information.
- Ask you to pay with gift cards. Seriously, gift cards? That's a huge red flag.
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Your Rights Matter
Familiarize yourself with your taxpayer rights at irs.gov/taxpayer-bill-of-rights. And remember, never click on links in emails or on websites you don't absolutely trust. Odd or misspelled web links can take you to harmful sites instead of IRS.gov.
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If you think you've been a victim of a tax scam or any other financial fraud, don't suffer in silence. Contact the DISB Enforcement and Consumer Protection Division at 202.727.8000. You can also report the scam to the IRS directly at mailto:phishing@irs.gov. Let's work together to protect our community!
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DISB Mission
Our mission is three-fold: (1) cultivate a regulatory environment that protects consumers and attracts and retains financial services firms to the District; (2) empower and educate residents on financial matters; and (3) provide financing for District small businesses. |
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