F is for Filing Fraud — Identity Theft & Tax Scams

The truth is, there are many different F Words, but the one I want to shine a light on today is fraud—specifically, identity theft tied to tax return fraud.

In this case, it’s the kind of fraud that steals your identity and your refund.
That’s the kind of F word we can’t afford to ignore.

Fraud doesn’t take a day off. And according to a recent PSA from the FBI, tax-related identity theft is up 26% from last year. That’s over 1,000 reported complaints—and likely many more unreported cases.

Imagine expecting your tax refund… only to discover your return was already filed by someone else.

🔎 What You Need to Know

Tax return fraud happens when someone uses your stolen identity to file a fraudulent tax return and claim your refund. These fraudsters often get your info through phishing emails, spoofed calls, or data breaches.

Victims don’t find out until it’s too late—usually when the IRS rejects their legitimate return. The emotional and financial fallout can be intense and time-consuming to resolve.

But knowledge is your power move. The IRS and FBI both recommend taking action early and staying alert.

🚩 Key Takeaways

• Tax-related identity theft is rising rapidly—up 26% this year.
• The IRS will never contact you via email, text, or social media asking for personal info.
• File early and monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.
• Report it fast to IdentityTheft.gov and IC3.gov.

📧 Evade the Email Traps

Scammers craft convincing emails designed to make you panic or click. Here’s how to stay sharp:

Don’t fall for it if:

• The sender address looks off (not @irs.gov)
• The message says “Act NOW” or threatens legal action
• There are grammar/spelling errors
• It asks for personal or banking info

What to do:

1. Don’t reply or click any links
2. Don’t open attachments
3. Forward the email (with full headers) to phishing@irs.gov
4. Then delete it
5. If you clicked, visit the IRS Identity Protection page

📞 Phone Calls That Sound “Official”? Don’t Fall for It.

Scammers often impersonate IRS agents by phone. They might even spoof caller ID or give fake badge numbers.

Do not provide any information.

Instead:

• Hang up
• Take notes: caller ID, callback number, what was said
• Report it to phishing@irs.gov with the subject line: IRS Phone Scam

Include (if possible):

• Time/date of call
• Caller name and badge number
• Your location and time zone when the call came in

🛡️ How to Protect Your Tax Identity

• Sign up for an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN): A 6-digit number that adds a layer of security to your return. Start here
• File your taxes early—before scammers can
• Avoid clicking unknown links or opening attachments
• Monitor your bank and IRS accounts regularly

💡 Final Thought

Fraud wears many disguises—but when you shine a light on it, it has nowhere to hide.

Stay alert. Stay informed. Stay protected.

And if you’ve been targeted—you are not alone. Reporting your experience doesn’t just help you—it helps others, too.

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Scammed, swindled, or suspicious of something shady?
Whether it’s identity theft, fake charities, investment traps, or anything else—your experience matters.
📩 Share it at tips@thetruthaboutthefword.com and help others spot the signs.