Though tax scams can occur throughout the year, they are especially prevalent during tax season. Being vigilant and keeping a few important facts in mind, could help prevent you from falling victim to a tax scam.
Some common tax scams include:
- Identity thieves who use your identity to fraudulently file a tax return and claim a refund.
- Callers who claim they’re from the IRS insisting that you owe money to the IRS or that you’re entitled to a large refund.
- Unsolicited emails or fake websites, often referred to as “phishing,” that pose as legitimate IRS sites to convince you to disclose personal or financial information.
- Scam artists who pose as tax preparers and promise unreasonably large or inflated refunds in order to commit refund fraud or identity theft.
Keep in mind
- The IRS will never call you about taxes owed without sending you a bill in the mail. If you think you owe taxes, contact the IRS directly at irs.gov.
- The IRS will never initiate contact with your by email or request personal or financial information over the phone or via email.
- If you believe you’ve been the victim of a tax scam, or would like to report a tax scammer, contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at treasury.gov/tigla
Prepared by Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. Copyright 2016.
Speak Your Mind