Tax Related Scams

Posted on March 04, 2014

The 2014 tax season upon us, sigh. That being said, it is now very important to be aware of tax-related scams, which are more common this time of year.

Tax scams take many forms, especially fake contact from the IRS.

One must be especially vigilant for phone and email scams using the name of the IRS and warn the elder people in your life, especially. Things to Consider:

1. The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media.

2. The IRS does not ask for personal identification numbers, passwords or similar access to confidential information such as credit cards, bank accounts or other financial accounts.

3. The IRS recommends that you do not carry you Social Security card or any documents on your person that includes your Social Security number. The IRS also recommends that you do not give your Social Security number to a business simply because they ask.

4. The IRS recommends that you take greater steps to protect your financial information, including checking your credit report every 12 months, securing personal information in your home and protecting your personal computers by using firewalls and anti-scam/virus software.

Protect Yourself.

Never give your personal information over the telephone, through the mail or on the internet unless you have initiated the contact and are sure of the identity of the person receiving your information.

Please be careful when choosing a tax return preparer. Although most preparers are trustworthy, there are some individuals who file false or fraudulent tax returns under your name and Social Security number. Please keep in mind that even if someone else prepares your tax return, you are ultimately responsible for all of the information listed on the tax return.