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BANKING AND TAX SCAMS

Practice spotting fake bank and tax contact, see how a scam call unfolds, learn which payments can be undone, and know exactly what to do if it happens to you.

Good to know: this is a learning tool. Scams change, and rules can vary by bank and state, so confirm with your bank or the IRS directly. Anyone can be fooled, and it is never your fault. Nothing you do here is saved or sent anywhere.

Choose where to begin

Not sure? Ask before you act.

AARP Fraud Watch Helpline, free, with translation available:

1-877-908-3360

Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern. Report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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Real or Scam?

Read each situation and choose. The explanations are the point.

Situation 1 of 10
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What to take from this

Real banks and the real IRS do not rush you, threaten you, or ask you to move money or pay with gift cards.

Watch for the warning signs: pressure to act now, a request to move money to a "safe account", a request to read back a code, threats of arrest, and payment by gift card, wire or app.

If you are unsure, hang up. Then call your bank using the number on your card or statement, or look up the IRS yourself at irs.gov. Never use a number or link the caller gave you.

Follow the Call

Dana's phone rings. Pick what you would do at each moment.

Moment 1 of 4
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What to take from this

Hang up and call back on a number you trust, such as the one on your card. Caller ID can be faked, so a familiar name on the screen proves nothing.

No one needs you to move your money to protect it. No one needs the code that was just texted to you.

If you slipped, act fast. Call your bank right away. Speed matters, and being fooled is not something to be ashamed of.

Can I Get It Back?

How you pay changes what help you can get if something goes wrong. Tap a way of paying.

These are general guides. Rules differ by bank, card company and situation. Whatever you used, call your bank or card company right away and ask.

Tax Time Safety

Tap a topic to open it.

How the IRS really contacts you

The IRS usually starts with a letter in the mail. The IRS will not:

  • Demand that you pay right now.
  • Require a certain way of paying, such as a gift card, prepaid card or wire.
  • Ask for your card number over the phone.
  • Threaten to have you arrested.
  • Discuss a tax debt or refund by email, text or social media.

Got a letter and not sure? Do not call the number in a message. Look up the IRS yourself at irs.gov.

Protect your refund: the IP PIN

An Identity Protection PIN is a six-digit number that helps stop someone else from filing a return with your Social Security number. Only you and the IRS know it.

  • Anyone with a Social Security number who can verify their identity can get one, even if you are not required to file.
  • You request it through your IRS online account.
  • It is good for one calendar year, and you get a new one each year.

Learn more: irs.gov, Get an Identity Protection PIN.

Choosing a tax preparer
  • A paid preparer must sign your return and include their preparer number (PTIN). Never sign a blank return.
  • Be careful with anyone who promises a bigger refund than others, or charges a percent of your refund.
  • Check that your refund is going to your own bank account, not theirs.
  • Free help is available. Ask about IRS VITA sites and AARP Tax-Aide, which help with returns at no cost.
Where to report tax scams
  • Scam emails that mention the IRS: forward them to phishing@irs.gov.
  • Someone pretending to be the IRS: report to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at tigta.gov.
  • Any scam call: ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Add "IRS telephone scam" in your notes.

I Think I Was Scammed

First, breathe. This happens to smart, careful people, and acting quickly really helps. Tap everything that happened.

Tell someone you trust. Scammers count on embarrassment to keep you quiet.