The Internal Revenue Service is cautioning taxpayers to be wary of tax advice found on social media, warning that many self-proclaimed “tax experts” are actually promoting scams that could result in financial penalties rather than promised refunds.

In a warning posted to its website Monday, the IRS highlighted an increase in fraudulent tax schemes on social media platforms over the past three years. These schemes often involve the misuse of tax credits that are only available in specific situations, such as the Fuel Tax Credit and the Sick and Family Leave Credit, but are falsely advertised as being available to everyone.

Thousands of taxpayers have already filed “inaccurate and frivolous” returns based on this misleading advice. According to IRS Director of Return Integrity and Complian

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