Tax Scams in
2015 Released
The
Internal Revenue Service recently released the 2015 list of tax scams. Here is information on four of them:
·
Identity theft: Tax-related identity theft occurs when
someone uses your stolen Social Security number (SSN) to file a tax return
claiming a fraudulent refund. Taxpayers
need to watch out for identity theft especially around tax time. The IRS continues to aggressively pursue the
criminals that file fraudulent returns using someone else's Social Security
number. The IRS is making progress on
this front but taxpayers still need to be extremely careful and do everything
they can to avoid becoming a victim.
Here are a few tips:
o
Don’t
carry your Social Security card or any documents that include your SSN or
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
o
Don’t
give a business your SSN or ITIN just because they ask. Give it only when required.
o
Protect
your financial information.
o
Check
your credit report every 12 months.
o
Review
your Social Security Administration statement annually.
o
Secure
personal information in your home.
o
Protect
your personal computers by using firewalls and anti-spam / virus software,
updating security patches and changing passwords for internet accounts.
o
Don't
give personal information over the phone, through the mail or the internet
unless you have initiated the contact or you are sure you know who you are
dealing with.
·
Phishing: Taxpayers need to be on guard against fake
emails or websites looking to steal personal information. The IRS will not send you an email about a
bill or refund out of the blue. Don't
click on one claiming to be from the IRS that takes you by surprise. Taxpayers should be wary of clicking on
strange emails and websites. They may be
scams to steal your personal information.
·
Phone scams: Aggressive and threatening phone calls by
criminals impersonating IRS agents remains an ongoing threat to taxpayers. The IRS has seen a surge of these phone scams
in recent months as scam artists threaten police arrest, license revocation and
other things. The IRS reminds taxpayers
to guard against all sorts of con games that arise during any filing season.
·
Fake charities: Taxpayers should be on guard against groups
masquerading as charitable organizations to attract donations from unsuspecting
contributors. Contributors should take a
few extra minutes to ensure their hard-earned money goes to legitimate and
currently eligible charities. IRS.gov
has the tools taxpayers need to check out the status of charitable
organizations. Be wary of charities with
names that are similar to familiar or nationally known organizations.
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