SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The IRS has issued a warning about schemes that are popular during the holiday season. Experts say this is the target time of year for identity thieves and scheme artists as the holiday shopping season means more people will be shopping online and clicking links in emails and other messages.

The IRS is warning of scams and encouraging Americans to protect sensitive personal information as the holiday shopping season begins.

The Internal Revenue Service is warning taxpayers and tax professional to look out for suspicious emails and text messages that could be from fraudsters as tax filing season nears.

The IRS has issued a warning about the growing threat of bad tax advice on social media. According to the agency, these schemes take many different forms and make false promises of bigger refunds. One popular scheme involves people trying to use legitimate tax forms for the wrong reasons.

As the holiday shopping season begins, the IRS reminds everyone that it’s not just your credit card balance you need to watch — it’s also your personal information.As part of its ninth annual National Tax Security Awareness Week,

Since 2015, the IRS and the Security Summit have used this week to warn taxpayers and tax professionals to protect their sensitive information while shopping.