Fairfax County Police Department News

Fairfax County, VA— Tax season is here and while you may be preparing to file your returns, scammers are busy trying to steal your personal information and money. The Fairfax County Police Department urges you to stay vigilant and aware of the various tax scams circulating this time of year. By understanding what to look for, you can protect yourself from becoming a target.

Tax Scams to Be Aware Of:

1. The “Too Good to Be True” Deals

Scammers love to promise “big paydays” by offering misleading tax advice on social media or through unsolicited calls and emails. They may claim they can help you qualify for a large refund or tax credits, but the advice they provide could be fraudulent. Always remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do not trust anyone offering guaranteed returns or refunds in exchange for paying them a fee or providing personal information.

2. Threatening Calls or Texts

Tax scammers may impersonate government agencies to intimidate you into paying money immediately. They often make threats of arrest, deportation, or lawsuits if you don’t pay “right now.” These impersonators use scare tactics to force victims into compliance, demanding payment through untraceable methods such as gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

Remember, legitimate government agencies never demand immediate payment or threaten arrest without the proper legal processes. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and report the incident to the IRS or your local police department.

3. Suspicious Website Links

Scammers frequently use fake websites that appear to be trusted IRS websites to trick you into giving away your personal information. They may send emails or messages with links to websites that are misspelled or have unusual web addresses. These links can lead to phishing sites designed to capture your financial information.

What to Do if You’ve Been Scammed:

If you think you’ve fallen victim to a tax scam, it’s important to act quickly:

• Report it to the IRS: You can report phishing attempts to the IRS by forwarding suspicious emails to phishing@irs.gov.
• Notify Your Bank: If you give out bank account information, contact your bank immediately to protect your account from further fraud.
• File a Police Report: If you suspect a scam or have fallen victim to one, report it to FCPD’s Financial Crimes Unit through their online portal here.

By staying aware of these scams and following the tips provided, you can protect yourself from fraud this tax season. If you’re ever in doubt, remember that it’s always safer to verify information directly with the IRS or a trusted tax professional.

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