Tax season is a busy time for taxpayers – and unfortunately, for fraudsters as well. At Alpha Financial Nordic, we’re committed to helping you stay safe by keeping you informed about common tax season scams. Fraudsters often exploit the high volume of tax-related transactions and taxpayers’ fear of the IRS to steal money and personal information, pretending to be tax authorities. Even the most diligent individuals can fall victim to these fraud schemes, so staying calm, alert, and aware is crucial. It’s important to be proactive and understand the tactics that fraud scammers use to ensure you can identify and avoid them effectively.

How to avoid tax scams this tax season:

Key Facts About the Internal Revenue Service

Understanding how the IRS operates can help you spot scams:

• Contact Method: The IRS always contacts taxpayers by mail first – not through unexpected phone calls, voicemails, texts, emails, or social media.
• Information Requests: The IRS does not request personal or financial information via these channels, nor can it revoke licenses (driver’s, business, or immigration) or threaten immediate law enforcement action.
• Official Notices: You can verify official IRS notices and letters on the IRS website.

Understanding Fraud: Common Tax Scams

Fraudsters use a variety of tactics to deceive taxpayers. Be cautious of:

• Fake offers to set up an IRS Online account.
• Fraudulent charities or websites offering misleading tax information or bogus tax forms.
• Tax preparers promising huge refunds without providing their IRS PTIN.
• Misleading offers for programs like fuel tax credits, Form 8944, compromise ‘mills,’ or Employee Retention Credit (ERC)—these are intended for specific groups with strict criteria.

AI-Powered Scams: A Growing Threat

Fraudsters are increasingly using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make scams more convincing, effectively leveraging advanced technology to manipulate unsuspecting victims. Through AI, a fraudster can now make calls as one of your close relatives:

• Chatbots: AI-powered bots can engage in realistic conversations, often used in romance or phishing scams.
• Voice Cloning: AI can mimic real voices, making family emergency scams more believable.
• Deepfakes: AI-generated videos can impersonate real people, leading to fraud and misinformation.

Best Practices to Avoid Scams

Protect yourself with these essential steps to avoid falling victim to tax scams:

• Verify Communications: Always confirm the legitimacy of any email, phone call, or letter. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing personal information. Phone call? Hang up and call your financial institution directly.
• Be Cautious of Urgency: Scammers often create a sense of urgency—take your time and consult someone you trust if you’re unsure.
• Hang Up on Suspicious Calls: If a caller requests money, gift cards, or personal details, hang up immediately. The IRS and legitimate organizations will never ask for payment via gift cards.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a potential scam, report it promptly to a trusted advisor.

How Alpha Financial Nordic Can Help

At Alpha Financial Nordic, we’re dedicated to maximizing your financial performance and protecting you from financial fraud and tax scams. Our team provides personalized guidance to help you navigate tax season safely, ensuring your financial security year-round. We can help you identify potential risks and develop strategies and recommend tools to minimize your exposure to these threats.

Contact Us to Learn More: Want to know how we can help protect you from tax season scams? Reach out today! Our financial advisors are here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your money, tax-related risks and strategies to enhance your financial well-being.

Why Investors Choose Alpha Financial Nordic

Decades of Expertise, Backed by Charles Schwab Institutional

When you invest with Alpha Financial Nordic, you gain more than just a financial advisor—you benefit from 30+ years of strategic finance experience, the institutional strength of Charles Schwab, and the leadership of a veteran-led organization with a disciplined, results-driven approach to wealth management services.

My name is Alex Boemark, and I personally manage all our clients’ money and help protect it. As a retired military officer and tank commander, I understand the importance of precision, discipline, and strategic execution—qualities that are essential in both battle and high net worth investing.

I graduated from Arizona State University in 1992 with a degree in Finance and spent 20 years in strategic finance advising Fortune 500 executives on optimizing multi-million-dollar investments. A decade ago, I redirected my expertise to helping individuals like you—applying the same rigorous, time-tested financial principles to maximize your returns and safeguard your wealth.

The results are spectacular!

At Alpha Financial, we embrace a client-first, fiduciary commitment—free from conflicts of interest and designed to help you achieve financial independence with confidence. Your assets are held securely at Charles Schwab, the largest and most trusted custodian in the U.S., ensuring top-tier protection and seamless execution.

It’s a Winner’s Game – and You are invited!