For many people, receiving a tax refund feels a lot like Christmas. After months of working hard and covering regular expenses, suddenly getting extra money is a welcome boost. You might use it to pay bills, buy needed items, fix up your home, or build savings. That sense of relief and excitement is completely natural.

Unfortunately, this time of year is also when scammers work hard to take advantage of people who are expecting money or who may be focused on their refund instead of on potential fraud.

Understanding how tax refund scams work and how to spot them can help you protect your refund and your personal information.

 

What Tax Refund Scams Look Like

Tax refund scams are schemes in which criminals pretend to be the IRS or another official organization to trick you into giving up personal data or money. These scams often come in the form of:

• Phone calls claiming there is a problem with your return or that you must pay a fee
• Emails or text messages that say you have a large refund waiting
• Social media messages or ads promising quick refunds

 

Scammers want you to react quickly and without thinking, so they use pressure tactics and urgent language.

 

Why Scammers Target Tax Season

Getting a refund can feel like a financial gift, similar to receiving a bonus or a holiday present. That feeling of joy and relief can make people less cautious, which is exactly when scammers try to strike. They count on the fact that many people are focused on the refund and may overlook warning signs.

 

When you are thinking about where to spend your refund, it is important to also think about whether requests for your information are legitimate.

 

Common Signs of a Tax Refund Scam

Here are some red flags that a message or call might be a scam:

• You are asked to provide social security numbers, bank account numbers, or passwords over the phone or by email
• You are told you must pay a fee upfront to receive your refund
• You are pressured to act immediately or threatened with penalties
• The message comes from an unknown email address, phone number, or includes a suspicious link

 

The real IRS does not contact taxpayers by email or text to ask for personal financial information.

 

Steps You Can Take to Stay Safe

You can protect yourself and your refund by following these steps:

• File your tax return early to reduce the chance that a scammer will file using your information first
• Use reputable tax preparation services or trusted tax software
• If you receive a message about your refund, check your refund status directly through the official IRS website rather than clicking on a link in the message
• Never share personal information in response to an unsolicited call, email, or text

 

Taking these precautions can help you enjoy your tax refund without falling victim to fraud.

 

Trust Your Instincts and Get Help If You Need It

At Mid-Florida Housing Partnership, we know how important financial stability is for you and your family. A tax refund can provide much-needed funds for housing costs, savings, or essential expenses. Feeling excited about that extra money is normal, and it should be a positive experience. If you are ever unsure whether a message you received is legitimate, take a step back and verify before responding. Talk to a trusted tax professional or financial counselor if you have questions or concerns.

 

By staying informed and cautious this tax season, you can protect your refund and make the most of the extra money, just like opening a gift. Your refund should be a welcome boost, not a source of stress. Stay alert, stay informed, and enjoy your extra money safely.