Tax season — and refunds — become a target for scammers this time of year.

So Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel suggests residents file their taxes early to help prevent tax-related identity theft and has reissued tax season alerts to better prepare consumers to protect personal information.

“During tax season, scammers take advantage of the opportunity to steal taxpayers’ money, access their personal data and commit identity theft,” Nessel said in a news release. “To protect yourself … stay informed about their tactics and how to avoid common tax-season scams.”

Tax-related Identity theft occurs when someone uses stolen personal information — including, but not limited to, an individual’s Social Security number — to file a phony tax return and claim another person’s refund.

The IRS is often the first to inform victims that their identity has been stolen. Nessel’s advice to help consumers protect themselves and avoid being a victim includes:

— File as early as possible, before identity thieves have the opportunity to do so;

— Don’t give out your SSN unless there’s a good reason, you’re confident you’re giving it to someone authorized to request this information and you know how they will protect it;

— Use a secure internet connection if filing electronically;

— Send tax return directly from the post office if filing by mail;

— Thoroughly research a tax preparer before handing over your personal information and never send personal information in a text or email;

— Review the IRS’ informational guides, such as the Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft, https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-news/fs-12-08.pdf, and Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers, https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/identity-theft-guide-for-individuals.

The attorney general also reissued the IRS Phone and Email Tax Scams Alert — https://www.michigan.gov/consumerprotection/protect-yourself/consumer-alerts/scams/irs-phone-email-tax — to remind consumers the IRS will never call taxpayers to: Threaten arrest; request payment by wire transfer, gift card or prepaid debit card; or ask you to provide credit card information over the phone.

For residents who owe money after filing, the Debt Collectors & the IRS, https://www.michigan.gov/consumerprotection/protect-yourself/consumer-alerts/scams/debt-collector-irs; and Tax Debt Resolution Scams alerts — https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/AG/consumer-alerts/2020/January/Tax_Debt_Resolution_Scams_compressed.pdf?rev=b6786567e416446d89eec4f515aeee51 — include information to avoid falling for a debt collection scam.

If an individual’s SSN is compromised and tax-related identity theft is suspected, the IRS recommends consumers:

— Immediately contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490;

— Respond immediately to any IRS notice;

— Complete the IRS Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit — also available online through IRS Publication 5027: Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers;

— Continue to pay taxes and file your tax return even if you must do so by paper; and

— Remember: Even if a false refund is claimed and issued in your name, identity scammers do not actually steal your refund. If you are legally entitled to a tax refund, being a verified victim of tax-related identity theft will not change that. Your refund may be delayed, but you will, eventually, get your refund.

To file a complaint with the Attorney General or get additional information, contact:

Consumer Protection Team

P.O. Box 30213

Lansing, MI 48909

517-335-7599

Fax: 517-241-3771

Toll-free: 877-765-8388

Or file online at https://www.michigan.gov/consumerprotection/complaints.