Beware of scams as tax deadline approaches | What to know

CHICAGO (WLS) -- There is a tax scam alert, just before the tax deadline of April 15.

From imposter Internal Revenue Service websites to fake tax preparers, the scammers are looking to trick you while you're rushing to file.

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The Better Business Bureau says even if you already filed your tax return, you could be impacted by a tax scam.

A scammer might text or email saying there's a problem with your return, saying you need to verify your information by clicking on a link. But the IRS would never send you a message like that.

Also beware of spoofed calls from people posing as IRS agents with threats, asking you to wire money.

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There are also ghost tax preparers who may offer you a good deal or promise fast or large refunds. But if something goes wrong, they're nowhere to be found. They can also file your return and get it deposited into their account. Make sure tax preparers are registered with the IRS by verifying they have a current "Preparer Tax Identification Number."

Google is also warning users about fake websites and those phishing links.

"It's not just the traditional, 'hey, this is the IRS.' That's obviously always been the case, but now you're seeing it with tax preparers, people offering a really good deal. Of course, with various data breaches, they might even already know what software you're using. So, it could be very tailored towards you. So it's, you kind of have to be on the lookout for everything. You want to take a pause; you want to verify the source," said Eugene Liderman, director of product management for Android security and privacy for Google.

Many smart phones have screening options to block or detect scam calls and texts.

There are also email services and apps that scan messages and alert you if something looks suspicious.