How to protect yourself during tax season: Cyber security expert shares tips

The IRS is getting new reports of people calling and pretending they are verifying your tax return information over the phone. The scam artist then gets personal information like Social Security numbers, as well as bank and credit card account numbers.

"These schemes continue to adapt and evolve in an attempt to catch people off guard just as they are preparing their tax returns," said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. "Don't be fooled. The IRS won't be calling you out of the blue asking you to verify your personal tax information or aggressively threatening you to make an immediate payment."

Cyber security expert Adam Levin stopped by Studio 11 LA this week to offer tips on how to protect yourself during tax season.

Here are a few things the IRS will never do:

Call to demand immediate payment over the phone, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you several bills.

Call or email you to verify your identity by asking for personal and financial information.

Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.

Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.

Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone or email.

Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.

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