- Beware Ghost Preparers This Tax Season
What You Need to Know
The IRS has officially added “Ghost Preparers” to the top of its 2026 Dirty Dozen list. These scammers look like professional tax preparers but refuse to sign your return or provide a PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number). They often use AI to “guarantee” a massive refund by fabricating deductions, then disappear after taking their fee—or worse, they redirect your refund to their own bank account.
What You Should Do
- The Red Flag: Any tax professional who bases their fee on a percentage of your refund or asks you to sign a blank return is a “ghost.”
- Use Financial Account Monitoring: If a fraudulent refund is deposited or an unauthorized return is filed in your name, you’ll be alerted instantly.
- Block Those Texts: Remember, the IRS always contacts you by mail first—never by text or social media DM.
Think you are being scammed? Call our scam hotline or email us for help:
(801)-724-6211
scamwatch@invisus.com
