Be aware!

With the official opening of the federal tax filing season underway, is also the season of tax scamming, the Internal Revenue Service warns.

Tax fraudsters have posed as the IRS in everything from email refund schemes to phone impersonations all aimed at getting you to share your personal financial information. The scammers then use your personal information to steal your identity or to file a fake return and collect a false refund.

Remember, the IRS never contacts taxpayers by email and it never needs to ask for your personal or financial information. The IRS also does not send text messages or post on your social media accounts.  There is no reason for the IRS to ask for your personal identification numbers (PINs), passwords or other passwords for your credit card, bank or other financial accounts. If you get an email claiming to be from the IRS, do not open it or click on any links. Contact your local police department with all information.