Tax season is a busy time for families and small businesses—but it’s also peak season for scammers. Each year, the IRS reports billions of dollars lost to tax-related fraud, and Florida consistently ranks among the states most affected. One of the fastest-growing threats is fake tax filing fraud, where criminals file a tax return using someone else’s personal information and steal the refund.
Understanding how these scams work is the first step to protecting yourself.
Common IRS Scams Affecting Floridians
Scammers often pretend to be helpful—or intimidating—while posing as the IRS or tax professionals. The most common scams include:
IRS Impersonation
Scammers contact people by phone, text, email, or social media, claiming to be from the IRS. These messages may say to you:
- Owe back taxes
- Have a problem with your refund
- Must pay immediately to avoid arrest or penalties
The IRS does not initiate contact this way and will never demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Fake Filing and Refund Fraud
Fake filing scams happen when someone uses your Social Security number to file a fraudulent tax return early in the season. The scammer collects the refund before you file your legitimate return.
Many victims don’t realize what happened until their return is rejected because the IRS already has one on file. Resolving identity-related tax fraud can take months.
Phishing Emails and Text Messages
Phishing scams often look official and include IRS logos or urgent language. They may ask you to:
- Click a link to “verify” your identity
- Confirm banking information
- Download documents
These links can steal personal information or install harmful software.
Misleading Tax Advice on Social Media
Social media posts promising “guaranteed refunds,” “secret tax credits,” or “easy money” are often misleading or fraudulent. Following bad advice—or working with a dishonest preparer—can result in audits, penalties, and repayment demands.
Dishonest Tax Preparers
Some scammers operate as tax preparers, inflating deductions or claiming false credits to increase refunds. Even if the preparer files the return, the taxpayer is still responsible for what’s submitted to the IRS.
Why Florida Residents Are Often Targeted
Several factors make Florida attractive to tax scammers:
- A large population of retirees
- Seasonal residents who may miss IRS notices
- Small businesses and self-employed workers
- Increased confusion following natural disasters
Scammers take advantage of stress, urgency, and lack of familiarity with IRS procedures.
Warning Signs of an IRS Scam
Remember these key facts:
The IRS will never:
- Contact you first by phone, text, email, or social media
- Threaten arrest or legal action over the phone
- Demand payment using gift cards or prepaid cards
Be cautious if:
- You’re pressured to act immediately
- A refund sounds too good to be true
- Someone asks for personal or tax information unexpectedly
When in doubt, pause and verify.
What To Do If You’re Affected
If you believe you’re a victim of tax fraud:
- Report the incident to the IRS as soon as possible
- File IRS Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) if your SSN was used fraudulently
- Consider requesting an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) to prevent future fake filings
Taking action early can help limit delays and protect future tax returns.
Protect Yourself This Tax Season
Simple steps can reduce your risk:
- First, file your tax return early
- Only use trusted, credentialed tax preparers
- Always protect personal documents and online accounts
- Finally, be skeptical of unsolicited tax messages
Staying informed is one of the most effective ways to combat fraud.
Takeaway
IRS scams—especially fake filing fraud—are a growing concern for Florida residents. By knowing the warning signs and acting quickly, individuals and families can protect their finances and avoid long-term complications. Extension programs continue to provide trusted, research-based education to help communities stay safe and informed.
To get an IRS PIN, go here https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin
To report an incident, go here https://www.irs.gov/help/report-fraud/report-tax-fraud-a-scam-or-law-violation
To report suspicious messages from the IRS, go here, https://www.irs.gov/help/report-fraud/report-fake-irs-treasury-or-tax-related-emails-and-messages
To see all of our Extension Blogs ,go here https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/monroeco/
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