The United States tax season is here, and so are the scammers. Con artists resurface every year with a tax scam that typically involves posing as someone from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to try tricking people into either giving up their money or sharing personal information.

“Tax scams are among the most stubborn cons out there, and the culprits can be very persistent,” said Melanie Duquesnel, President and CEO of Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. “While individuals are becoming more aware of ways to identify IRS impersonators and protect personal information, these criminals aren’t going away anytime soon, so it’s important to remain vigilant.”

Especially during this time of the year, taxpayers are encouraged to watch for various versions of tax scams such as phishing emails with malicious links, fake IRS websites, calls asking for personal information, and fake IRS communications through non-traditional mediums such as text messages or direct messages on social media.

No matter how convincing a person may be, consumers should follow these tips to avoid falling victim to the latest tax scams:

– The best way to avoid tax identity theft is to file your taxes as early as possible. File before a scammer has the chance to use your information to file a fake return.

– In the U.S., jot down your Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS before you file your return. This is a six-digit number, which, in addition to your Social Security number, confirms your identity. It is important to note that you cannot opt-out once you get an IP PIN. So once you apply, you must provide the IP Pin each year when you file your federal tax returns. The IRS will provide your IP PIN online and then send you a new IP PIN each December by postal mail. Visit the IRS for more information about the program.

– The IRS does not initiate contact with tax payers by email, text message or social media to request personal or financial information. This includes requests for PIN numbers, passwords or similar access information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts.

– Only deal with trustworthy tax preparation services. For many people, major life changes, business ownership, or simply a lack of knowledge about the ever-changing tax laws make finding a trustworthy tax preparer a good idea.

– Check out websites carefully and make sure you are accessing the real IRS website when filing your taxes electronically or inquiring for additional information.

– If you are the victim of tax identity theft in the U.S., contact the IRS at 1-800-908-4490. You should also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP. The FTC also offers a personalized identity theft recovery plan at identitytheft.gov.

– If your personal information has been compromised, place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting one of the three credit bureaus at Experian.com/help, TransUnion.com/credit-help or Equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services. That credit agency must tell the other two. Also be sure to review your free weekly online credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.

– If you get tax information delivered electronically from your employer or other entity, treat that information carefully. Download it onto a password-protected computer.

To learn more about ways to protect yourself from tax scams, visit BBB.org/TaxTips or call (866) 788 – 5706.