READ: Scammers preying on Delaware County parishioners with gift-card scheme
He adds people should also be wary of phony messages making a "final demand for payment," and bogus property-seizure notices.
"Please remember that the IRS will never call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as the pre-paid debit cards, gift cards, or wire transfers," he said.
Furlong adds taxpayers you keep a close eye on whoever is preparing their taxes.
He says dishonest tax preparers are known to steal identities, commit fraud, and use a number of other scams.
"In some cases, they direct the refund into their own bank account, rather than the taxpayer's account," he said. "We urge all tax payers to review their tax returns carefully before signing, and then ask your preparer if something is not clear on the return presented to you."
The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has a Fraud Detection and Analysis Unit to assist taxpayers that may be victims of identity theft.
