AG Jeff Jackson Warns North Carolinians About Tax Day Scams
Summary
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson issued a consumer alert on Tax Day warning residents about an increase in tax-related scams. Scammers are deploying fake IRS websites to steal personal information and promising unrealistic refunds. The alert advises consumers to guard their Social Security numbers, ignore unsolicited IRS calls, and watch for tax refund theft. Victims are directed to file complaints with the NC DOJ or report incidents through the AG's consumer fraud hotline.
What changed
The North Carolina Department of Justice issued a consumer alert advising residents about active tax day scams, including fraudulent websites mimicking official IRS pages and unsolicited phone calls from scammers claiming to be the IRS. The alert provides guidance on protecting personal information and recognizing common fraud tactics such as demands for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Consumers should remain vigilant during tax season, verify all tax-related communications through official IRS channels, and report suspected scams to the NC DOJ consumer fraud hotline at 1-877-5-NOSCAM or through the online complaint portal at www.ncdoj.gov/complaint.
What to do next
- Guard your Social Security number and avoid sharing it via email
- Ignore unsolicited calls claiming to be the IRS
- If tax refund theft occurs, file IRS Form 14039 electronically at IdentityTheft.gov
Archived snapshot
Apr 16, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Attorney General Jeff Jackson Warns North Carolinians About Tax Day Scams
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Contact: comms@ncdoj.gov
919-538-2809
RALEIGH — Today is Tax Day. That means scammers are working overtime to steal your money and your personal information.
Right now, fake websites that look exactly like official IRS pages are popping up online. They promise massive, unrealistic refunds to lure you in. If you click the link, they will ask for your Social Security number, phone number, and email. Don’t fall for it.
Here is how to protect yourself today and throughout the year:
- Guard your Social Security number (SSN). Identity thieves only need your SSN to take out loans, open credit cards, or steal your actual tax refund. Never email your SSN or other highly sensitive information to anyone, even your accountant. If you file online, make sure the website is secure (look for the lock icon in the address bar).
- Ignore the “IRS” phone calls. The IRS will not call you out of the blue. They won’t ask local law enforcement to track you down, and they will never pressure you to pay immediately using gift cards, money orders, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. If someone calls making these demands, hang up.
- Watch out for tax refund theft. If you receive a notice or letter from the IRS saying more than one tax return was filed in your name, respond right away using the contact information provided. You will also need to complete IRS Form 14039, the Identity Theft Affidavit, which can now be filed electronically through IdentityTheft.gov. If you have questions about something a tax preparer tells you about your taxes, check it out. You can contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or the NC Department of Revenue at 1-877-252-4052.
Scammers often use the confusion and stress of tax season to take advantage of people. It is important to do your research, and if something does not seem right, slow down and double-check the details. If you believe you have been the victim of a tax scam, contact our office at 1-877-5-NOSCAM or file a complaint online at www.ncdoj.gov/complaint.
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