Tax season brings plenty of activity, from gathering documents, filing returns, and hopefully looking forward to a refund. Unfortunately, it also brings a surge in scams targeting hardworking people.
At Redstone Bank, we’re proud to serve our neighbors and local communities, and protecting your financial well‑being is part of that commitment. Whether you bank with us online or visit one of our Colorado locations, staying informed is one of the best ways to safeguard your money and personal information. As your local banking partner, we want to help you stay alert, informed, and confident as you navigate this busy time of year.
Why Tax Season Is a High‑Risk Time
Scammers know that millions of American taxpayers are expecting important tax documents, IRS notices, and refund updates. That makes it easier for them to disguise fraudulent messages as legitimate communication.
During tax season, we see increases in:
- Fake IRS phone calls or emails
- Identity theft attempts
- Fraudulent tax refund filings
- Phishing messages posing as tax software or payroll providers
The good news: most tax scams rely on urgency and fear. With a little awareness and a cautious approach, you can avoid most of these traps.
Common Tax Scams to Watch For:
IRS Impersonation Scams
Fraudsters may call, text, or email claiming to be from the IRS. They often use threatening language — such as arrest, license suspension, or legal action — to pressure you into paying immediately.
What to know:
The IRS will never demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or request payment by gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers. If someone makes these demands, it’s a scam.
Phishing Emails & Texts
Some scam messages appear convincing, using official-looking logos and language that suggest they’re from:
- The IRS
- Popular tax filing software
- Employers or payroll departments
These messages often include:
- Requests to “verify” personal information
- Links to fake tax documents or downloads
- Requests for Social Security numbers or bank account details
Tip: Before clicking, hover over links to view the web address. If the address looks strange, delete the message.
Refund Fraud & Identity Theft
In some cases, scammers file a tax return using stolen personal information to claim a refund. Victims often don’t find out until the IRS rejects their legitimate return.
Warning signs include:
- Receiving an unexpected IRS tax transcript
- Getting a refund you didn’t request
- Being told by the IRS that a return has already been filed in your name
How to Verify IRS Communications
Understanding how the IRS communicates can help you confidently spot a scam.
The IRS may:
- Send written notices through U.S. mail
- Call you after sending an official letter
- Visit a home or business (in rare cases and always with official identification)
The IRS will never:
- Initiate contact by email, text, or social media
- Demand immediate payment
- Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone
- Threaten to involve law enforcement for nonpayment
If you’re unsure whether a message is legitimate, contact the IRS directly at irs.gov — never use phone numbers or links provided in a suspicious message.
What To Do If You’re Targeted
If you believe you’ve encountered a tax-related scam, taking quick action can limit potential damage.
1. Stop and disconnect
Hang up the phone, delete the email or text, or close the suspicious website.
2. Do not share personal information
Never provide your Social Security number, online banking credentials, or account details.
3. Report the scam
Reporting suspicious activity helps protect others in our community.
4. Contact Redstone Bank
If you’re concerned that your Redstone Bank account or personal information may be compromised, contact your local branch or our customer support team as soon as possible.
Staying informed is one of the most powerful tools you have during tax season. At Redstone, we appreciate the trust you place in us and remain committed to helping our Colorado communities bank safely and confidently — during tax season and all year long.
Helpful Resources
Here are trusted sources to keep you informed:
IRS Resources
- IRS Tax Scams & Consumer Alerts
- Report Phishing to the IRS: phishing@irs.gov
- Identity Theft Central