With the April filing deadline less than a week away, a Glendale tax preparer is sounding the alarm that tax-season fraud is on the rise and that rushed, last-minute filers are exactly who scammers hope to catch. Lance Gordon says fraudsters can swipe Social Security numbers and file fake returns before the real taxpayer even gets a chance to submit theirs. He is pushing practical, end-of-season steps that can help lock down refunds and reclaim missed credits before the clock runs out.
Local expert: file early, add identity protections
Lance Gordon, president of LGA Tax Services, told TMJ4 that "the later you file, the more chance it will happen," warning that procrastination gives scammers extra time to beat you to your own refund. Gordon and consumer groups recommend identity tools such as an IRS Identity Protection PIN along with verifying your IRS online account through ID.me to make it harder for thieves to file under your Social Security number. They say those steps are especially important for last-minute filers and for anyone who received suspicious messages earlier in the season.
Data shows scams are already hitting people
Cybersecurity research this season backs up those concerns. A survey by McAfee found nearly one in four U.S. adults said they had fallen for a tax-season scam, and victims who lost money reported average losses of roughly $1,020. The same research flagged thousands of fake tax-themed domains and warned that AI is making phishing attempts and robocalls more convincing, which only increases the pressure on people who delay filing.
Phone spoofing, robocalls and the official line
Scammers routinely lean on spoofed caller ID, prerecorded messages and lookalike websites to impersonate the IRS and other agencies. The IRS notes that it generally initiates official contact by U.S. mail, does not demand immediate payment over the phone, and does not request sensitive information by text or email; see the IRS for details. Regulators have pushed caller-ID authentication and mitigation rules to blunt spoofing, but experts say spoofed and computer-generated calls remain a common fraud tool, citing recent FCC call-authentication guidance.
Quick, practical steps to protect your refund
If you are racing to file, Gordon's basic message is simple: get your return in as soon as you reasonably can, or request an automatic extension if you truly need more time. An extension to file does not extend the time to pay, so you should estimate and pay any tax due to avoid penalties, per reporting on extension rules.
Consider getting an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) to block fraudulent returns, and follow IRS and Taxpayer Advocate Service guidance on how to enroll, which may require identity verification. Wisconsin renters with household income below $24,680 may qualify for the state Homestead Credit, so filers are urged to check the Wisconsin Department of Revenue instructions and claim Schedule H if eligible.
Gordon and other tax professionals also point to retirement contributions as an easy-to-miss break. The Saver's Credit can be worth up to $1,000 for individuals, or up to $2,000 for married couples, on qualifying contributions, a small move that often produces a meaningful tax benefit in low- and moderate-income returns.
If you realize after you file that you missed a deduction or credit, it is not necessarily game over. The IRS generally allows amended federal claims within about three years, and Wisconsin typically permits refund or amendment claims within roughly four years, according to official filing guidance.
If you do receive a suspicious call, experts say to hang up, avoid providing any personal information, and report the contact. Consumer-facing outlets note that you can report impersonation attempts to authorities and to trackers that collect scam reports.
Local filers who want help can contact trusted preparers, use free VITA sites if eligible, or consult the Department of Revenue and the IRS resources linked above for step-by-step instructions. If you suspect a scam or identity theft, community reporting tools and watchdog hotlines can help document the fraud and speed resolution.
