Tax season is a prime time for scammers. Recently, many people in North Carolina have reported that they have received fraudulent text messages from the Internal Revenue Service or the North Carolina Department of Revenue. These scams, often called “smishing,” are designed to steal your personal and financial information.
The first thing to remember is that the IRS never initiates contact through text messages. If you receive an unexpected text claiming it is the IRS or a state tax agency, it is likely a scam. The IRS usually contacts taxpayers by mail first, not by text, email, or social media.
Scam messages often create urgency. They may say you owe money, that your refund is at risk, or that you must act immediately to avoid penalties. They typically include a suspicious link or phone number and ask for sensitive information, like your banking details or your Social Security number.
To protect yourself, never click links or respond to these messages. Instead, delete the text immediately. If you are unsure whether a message is legitimate, go directly to the official government website instead of using the links provided in the text. When in doubt, a trusted bookkeeping professional can help you verify communication and keep your financial information secure.
Staying cautious and informed is your best defense against tax-related scams. To learn more about what to watch out for and how to protect your personal and financial information, contact us at Balanced Bookkeeping of NC.