Columbus, Ohio – With the tax deadline just days away, authorities are warning residents to stay alert as scammers ramp up efforts to steal money and personal information through fake IRS messages.
According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, tax-related scams often increase sharply during the final stretch of filing season. Many involve unsolicited phone calls, texts, or emails claiming to be from the IRS and demanding immediate payment.
These messages are designed to create urgency, pushing victims to act quickly without verifying the source. Officials stress that the IRS does not contact individuals by phone, text, or email to demand immediate payment or request sensitive information.
Residents across Franklin County, including Columbus and surrounding communities, are urged to avoid sharing personal or financial details with unknown contacts. Suspicious messages should be ignored or reported.
Common red flags include threats of arrest, requests for gift cards or wire transfers, and pressure to act immediately. Verifying communication through official IRS channels is key to avoiding fraud.
As the deadline approaches, officials encourage residents to remain cautious and take a few extra moments to confirm legitimacy before responding.
More alerts could follow as scam activity typically peaks in the final days leading up to filing deadlines.
