The start of tax season often brings an uptick in tax-related scams. These reminders from the IRS will help you keep your identity safe all year long. The IRS will not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. If you receive a suspicious IRS, Treasury or tax-related email, do not open any attachments, click on any links, or reply to the sender.

The IRS will also not leave pre-recorded, urgent or threatening messages for taxpayers or threaten to bring in the police to have them arrested or deport them. The IRS will not call to demand immediate payment with a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer, nor will the IRS request checks be sent to third parties. The IRS also does not demand payment without giving taxpayers the chance to question or appeal the amount owed.

The IRS reminds people that scammers can fake or spoof an IRS office phone number or the numbers of various local, state, federal or tribal government agencies. If you ever receive a suspicious phone call, the IRS advises that you hang up immediately without giving any personal information.