IRS Tax Scam: During tax filing season, scammers impersonate the IRS to collect confidential information. The scammer may call, email or text claiming the victim owes the IRS money and threaten to issue a warrant for the victim’s arrest if they don’t pay the amount stated. They may even use the names of actual IRS employees to lend legitimacy to their claims. It’s important to remember that the IRS will never call to demand payment over the phone, nor will they request payment through gift cards or wire transfers. Scammers use fear to create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into complying with demands. If you receive a call like this, take note of the phone number and the caller’s name/title. If you believe you are the victim of the IRS tax scam, contact law enforcement immediately. You can also self-report to the IRS at www.IC3.gov.

Package Tracking Scam: Ordering items can be very convenient, but it’s important to stay alert while waiting for your order to arrive. Cybercriminals use package tracking scams as another phishing method to steal information. In this scheme, scammers posing as a postal service send an email or text requesting the receiver update their address or personal information, or they ask for additional money for delivery. Clicking on attachments or links in these messages can also lead to scammers installing malware on your device. Avoid falling victim to package tracking scams by calling the delivery company directly. If you determine that the message is a scam, block the sender and update your security software.

Toll Services Scam: A new phishing scam PSO is seeing is toll service scams. In this scheme, victims receive an email or text claiming they owe an outstanding toll balance. The scammer will even use a local toll name and payment due date to add legitimacy to the claim. A link typically accompanies the message, advising the receiver to pay the invoice. However, clicking this link will lead to a malicious website. If you receive such messages, do not click on the link or call any phone number provided in the message. Additionally, do not reply to the message, even if it prompts you to respond with “Stop” to unsubscribe from future communications. As always, report suspicious activity to law enforcement.

Bank Scam: In banking scams, victims receive a call, email or text from someone pretending to be from their bank’s fraud department. The scammer claims that the victim’s account has been compromised and requests personal and banking information. They may also ask the victim to transfer funds into a separate account through wire transfers, cashier’s checks or cash deposits. It is crucial not to transfer funds into unknown accounts or provide personal banking information over the phone. If you receive a message regarding fraudulent activity, contact your bank immediately.