The
Internal Revenue Service recently released the 2017 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. Though the IRS is making
progress on this front, taxpayers still need to be extremely careful and do
everything they can to avoid being victimized.
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 make sure the security software is always on. Use strong passwords and change them
periodically.
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 never initiate contact with
taxpayers via email about a bill or a refund.
Don't click on one claiming to be from the IRS. Be wary of emails and websites that may be
nothing more than scams to steal personal information.
·
Phone scams: Phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS
agents remain an ongoing threat to taxpayers.
The IRS has seen a surge of these phone scams in recent years as scam
artists threaten police arrest, deportation and license revocation among other
things. The IRS reminds taxpayers to
guard against all sorts of con games that arise during any filing season.
·
Fake charities: Be on guard against groups masquerading as
charitable organizations to attract donations from unsuspecting
contributors. Be wary of charities with
names that are similar to familiar or nationally known organizations. 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.
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