| Posted in Security & Fraud
Tax season is busy for everyone—but it’s not just taxpayers and accountants paying attention.
It’s also one of the most active times of year for fraud.
At Iowa State Bank, our team works behind the scenes every day monitoring unusual activity, flagging suspicious transactions, and helping customers protect their accounts. And during tax season, we tend to see a noticeable increase in certain types of scams.
Here’s what’s showing up right now—and what you can do to stay protected.
1. “IRS” Calls and Messages That Create Urgency
One of the most common scams we see this time of year involves someone posing as the IRS.
It might look like:
- A phone call saying you owe back taxes and must pay immediately
- A text message with a “link to resolve your issue”
- An email threatening penalties or legal action
These messages are designed to create panic and push you into acting quickly.
What to know:
The IRS does not call, text, or email demanding immediate payment or asking for sensitive banking information.
If something feels urgent or aggressive, that’s your first red flag.
2. Fake Refund or Account Verification Requests
Another trend we’re seeing involves messages claiming there’s an issue with your refund or that your account needs to be verified.
These often include:
- Links to websites that look legitimate
- Requests for your Social Security number or account details
- Instructions to “confirm” your identity
Once that information is shared, it can be used to access your accounts or file fraudulent returns.
What to know:
Never click links or provide personal information unless you’re absolutely certain who you’re dealing with. When in doubt, contact your bank directly.
3. Refund Theft and Account Takeovers
In some cases, fraudsters attempt to intercept tax refunds by:
- Filing a return in your name
- Changing account details
- Gaining access to your banking information
This is less visible—but more damaging.
What to know:
If your refund is delayed unexpectedly or something doesn’t look right in your account, it’s worth a conversation.
4. What Happens Behind the Scenes at Iowa State Bank
Most people don’t see what happens on our end—but there’s a lot going on.
Our team is constantly:
- Monitoring transactions for unusual patterns
- Flagging activity that doesn’t match normal behavior
- Reaching out when something doesn’t look right
In many cases, we’re able to step in before a situation becomes a bigger issue.
That’s the advantage of working with a local bank—real people who know what to look for and take action when it matters.
5. Simple Ways to Protect Yourself
You don’t need to be an expert to stay safe. A few simple habits go a long way:
- Don’t respond to unsolicited calls, texts, or emails about taxes
- Avoid clicking links from unknown sources
- Never share personal or banking information unless you initiated the contact
- Keep an eye on your accounts and report anything unusual
- And most importantly—trust your instincts.
Closing: Local Protection Matters
Fraud doesn’t always look obvious—and during tax season, it’s designed not to.
If something feels off, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
At Iowa State Bank, you have a local team behind you—watching, protecting, and ready to help when you need it.
If you ever have a question or concern, don’t hesitate to reach out or stop in. https://myiowastatebank.com/locations.php
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