The best way to protect yourself from tax scams doesn't require special software, consultants, or services

The IRS warns taxpayers every year to beware of a long list of tax scams.
This year, identity thieves are up to the same tricks, but with a new twist.
Scammers file a fake tax return, deposit the fraudulent tax refund into your own bank account — and then call to collect.

Tax scammers are a creative bunch.

The IRS keeps track of themost common tax-related crimes, and the list is long and varied.

The latest tax scam Americans need to watch out for, according to the IRS, is a twist on an old favorite: filing a fake tax return with stolen personal information, like your Social Security number.

But this time, scammers aren't keeping the fraudulent tax refund for themselves. At least not at first.

After filing the fake tax return, identity thieves are using taxpayers' actual bank account information to have the refund deposited — then, they call to collect.

The scammers follow up with the taxpayer, either posing as the IRS or debt collectors demanding the return of the fraudulent tax refund. In some cases, the caller threatens criminal fraud charges, an arrest warrant, and to "blacklist" the taxpayer's Social Security Number.

According to the IRS, the number of victims of this scam jumped from a few hundred to thousands, and it's possible that more taxpayers could fall prey to it.

File as soon as possible to protect against tax scams

Since tax season presents plenty of opportunity for would-be identity thieves, the best way to protect against tax scams — especially potential identity theft — is to file your tax return as soon as possible.

The IRS saysthe fastest way to get your tax refundis the method already used by most taxpayers: filing electronically and selecting direct deposit as the method for receiving your refund.

H&R Block

The IRS says direct deposit — which the government also uses for Social Security and Veterans Affairs payments — is "simple, safe, and secure."

What to do with a fraudulent tax refund

If you think you are a victim of identity theft or tax fraud, you shouldreport itto the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. The IRS also has detailed instructions onwhat to do if you are a victim of tax fraud.

Taxpayers who receive a fraudulent tax refund should follow IRS guidelines for returning the money. Do not return a phone call from someone claiming to be with the IRS. Instead, individuals should call the IRS directly

When the IRS needs to get in touch with a taxpayer, standard practice is tosend a letter via the US Postal Service. If you receive an unexpected and suspicious email from the IRS, forward it tophishing@irs.gov.

The US Department of Justice says the IRSnever discusses personal tax issuesthrough unsolicited emails or texts, or over social media. Always be wary if you are contacted by someone claiming to be from the IRS who says you owe money.