Tax season is officially underway, which means scammers are more active than ever. While April 15 may feel far away, threats like phishing, smishing, and vishing ramp up early - and fast. Staying alert now helps protect you and your personal information.
Let’s break down the most common tax‑related scams and how to stay one step ahead.
Tax scams come in many forms, but they share one goal: tricking you into sharing sensitive information. Here’s what’s circulating this time of year...
Phishing Emails
Look out for messages claiming:
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“Urgent tax document update”
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“Verify your W‑2 information”
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“Download your 1099”
These emails often contain suspicious links or unexpected attachments.
How to stay safe:
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Hover over links before clicking - if it looks strange, it is strange.
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Avoid opening attachments you weren’t expecting.
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Report anything unusual right away.
Smishing Texts & Vishing Calls
Cybercriminals may impersonate HR, payroll, or even tax agencies.
Red flags include:
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Texts requesting SSNs, W‑2 data, or payroll details
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Callers who create urgency, pressure, or threats
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Requests to “verify your identity” or “update tax details”
If something feels off: Hang up immediately and contact the official number on record.
What You Can Do Today
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Slow down and review unexpected tax‑related messages
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Verify unexpected requests through trusted NCB channels
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Report suspicious emails, texts, or calls immediately
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When in doubt, don’t click — REPORT
