Michigan Residents Urged To Watch For Holiday Tax Scams

The holidays are supposed to be about shopping for the people you love, not handing your money and Social Security number over to a scammer. But the IRS is waving a big red flag for Michigan right now, because crooks are heating up their scams as Christmas and tax season collide.

Phishing Emails, Smishing Texts And Your Phone

Here's the basics of the latest scam. As we all start spending more and thinking about taxes, criminals see that as an opening. The IRS says scam activity is surging, and the schemes are getting slicker and more believable, especially in December.

READ MORE: Michigan Residents Asked to be on “High Alert” for IRS Scams

A lot of it does start in your phone or inbox. Phishing emails and "smishing" texts can look official and urgent. They may claim you owe money immediately, threaten legal trouble, or tell you to click a link and open an attachment. The second that you do, you could be handing over bank info, tax details, or access to your devices.

Social Media ‘Secrets’ That Are Really Scams

Social media is another playground for the crooks. You might see posts pushing "secret" tax credits, easy refund hacks, or sketchy advice from fake experts. Those posts are often just bait to connect you directly with a scammer.

Why Michigan Seniors Are Being Targeted

Seniors are a major target. People over 65 or nearing retirement are often pressured to share financial details or send money "right now." Once a scammer gets paid once, they almost always come back for more.

If something feels rushed, confusing, or too good to be true, slow down. Don't click on any links or give out any personal information unless you know who you're dealing with. You can also go directly to IRS.gov or call a trusted tax professional, rather than responding to a random call, text, or DM.