Authorities Warn of Rising SMS Scams Targeting Consumers

Authorities are alerting the public to a rise in various scams, particularly those targeting vulnerable populations like seniors. The IRS has warned that scams impersonating their officials are especially prevalent during tax season, with fraudsters employing tactics such as spoofed caller IDs and high-pressure demands for payments. Victims are often misled into thinking they owe taxes or have unclaimed refunds, leading to significant financial losses. Similarly, the Australian Federal Police reported a new crypto scam where fraudsters impersonate Binance through deceptive text messages, prompting users to transfer funds to fake wallets. Experts recommend that individuals remain vigilant, avoid sharing personal information, and verify claims through official channels to avoid falling victim to these scams. Overall, both financial and tax-related scams are increasing, highlighting the need for public awareness and caution.