As April begins, take a moment to protect your refund, your identity, and your peace of mind.
During tax season, government impersonation scams increase. Criminals may pretend to be the IRS, Social Security, law enforcement, or other agencies. They claim there is a serious problem, such as unpaid taxes or legal action, and pressure you to act immediately.
Their goal is to scare you into sending money or sharing personal information before you have time to verify.
Red Flags
- Threats of arrest, fines, or loss of benefits
- Demands for payment using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
- Calls, emails, or texts claiming to be from the government that require urgent action
Tips to Protect Yourself
- Government agencies do not demand immediate payment by phone, text, or email
- Hang up and contact the agency directly using a verified number
- Never share your Social Security number or financial information with unsolicited contacts
Where to Report
- IC3: https://complaint.ic3.gov
- SSA OIG: 1-800-269-0271
- Florida Fraud Hotline: 1-800-962-2873
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-372-8311
This tax season, protect your refund and your personal information. Do not let scammers turn April Fools into a costly mistake. Operation Senior Shield and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs are here to help you stay alert, informed, and protected.