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  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 13, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , tax debt relief,   

    Tax debt relief scams return 

    Tax debt relief scams return

    By Greg Collier

    Tax debt relief scams are on the rise, targeting vulnerable individuals with promises of settling tax obligations for mere pennies on the dollar. These scammers are exploiting the reputation of legitimate businesses to deceive people into handing over their money.

    One potential victim from Tennessee, for instance, was sitting on her front porch when she received an unsolicited call. Despite her poor vision, she quickly recognized the call for what it was, a scam. The caller claimed to be from the IRS Tax Relief Program. She knew better than to fall for the ploy and promptly hung up.

    Thanks to information from trustworthy sources, she knew that the IRS and Social Security never make unsolicited calls. They communicate through letters. This knowledge protected her from becoming a victim.

    It’s crucial to understand that the IRS will never call you out of the blue. There is no IRS Tax Relief Program that will contact you by phone. Scammers are simply dialing random numbers, hoping to find someone with a tax issue.

    To avoid tax debt relief scams, remember these key points. The IRS will never call you unsolicited. They only send letters. If you receive a letter from the IRS, attempt to resolve the issue directly with the agency. The IRS may offer a monthly payment plan or a way to pay less than you owe, but you must engage with them directly. Do not trust any company that claims you have ‘qualified’ or are ‘eligible’ for an IRS program. Only the IRS can make such determinations.

    By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself and your savings from these fraudulent schemes.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 3, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , IRS Online Accounts,   

    IRS warns of latest income tax scam 

    IRS warns of latest income tax scam

    By Greg Collier

    As Tax Day looms closer, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is ramping up its efforts to caution taxpayers against falling victim to common scams that could jeopardize their financial security. In its latest warning, the IRS is highlighting the dangers of scammers posing as helpful third parties offering assistance with IRS online accounts.

    With the convenience and efficiency of IRS Online Accounts for managing federal tax information, it’s no surprise that they have become a prime target for cybercriminals seeking to exploit unsuspecting taxpayers. These scammers employ deceptive tactics, often masquerading as friendly helpers offering to set up online accounts on behalf of taxpayers. However, their true intent is far from benevolent, as they aim to pilfer sensitive personal information to carry out fraudulent activities such as filing false tax returns and accessing financial accounts.

    The method these scammers use is alarmingly simple yet effective. By preying on individuals’ trust and the perceived complexity of setting up an IRS Online Account, they deceive taxpayers into divulging sensitive details like Social Security numbers, Individual Taxpayer Identification numbers (TINs), and home addresses. Armed with this information, they can wreak havoc on victims’ financial lives, from filing bogus tax returns to obtaining loans and opening fraudulent credit accounts.

    The IRS emphasizes a crucial point that taxpayers should never enlist the help of third parties to set up their IRS Online Accounts. The only legitimate avenue for creating these accounts is through the official IRS.gov website.

    In conclusion, the IRS’s warning serves as a timely reminder for taxpayers to exercise diligence and skepticism when approached by individuals offering assistance with IRS online accounts. By heeding these cautionary advisories and staying informed about prevalent scams, taxpayers can fortify their defenses against fraudulent activities and ensure a secure tax filing experience.

    Related Video: Internal Revenue Service issues scam warning

     

  • Geebo 9:01 am on February 19, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    New scam threatens driver’s license loss for not paying taxes 

    New scam threatens driver's license loss for not paying taxes

    By Greg Collier

    Residents in San Bernardino County, California, are being alerted by authorities to beware of deceptive phone calls targeting debt collection or property tax payments.

    In a united effort, officials have issued a warning advising residents to exercise caution when approached by individuals purporting to be from county agencies, who assert threats of driver’s license suspension if payments are not promptly made. These callers are employing spoofed telephone lines to mimic legitimate county numbers, heightening the illusion of authenticity.

    It’s easy to assume that threats regarding your driver’s license in relation to debt collection or tax payments are always scams, but the reality is a bit more nuanced. While it’s true that in many states, including California, your driver’s license typically can’t be revoked solely for failure to pay taxes, there are scenarios where it can happen.

    For instance, in all 50 states, failing to pay child support can lead to license revocation. Additionally, in some states, if your tax debt exceeds a certain threshold, usually around $10,000, your driver’s license could be at risk. Although California doesn’t enforce this, nearly half of all states have laws allowing the revocation of licenses for delinquent taxpayers. So, while skepticism is wise, it’s also important to be aware of the varied circumstances where such actions can occur.

    Government agencies generally communicate sensitive financial matters like delinquent taxes through mail rather than phone calls, making phone calls regarding tax issues suspicious. Scammers often pose as the IRS, threatening victims with legal consequences such as jail time.

    Unfortunately, fraudulent debt collectors are a reality as well. However, there are steps you can take to handle them. Legitimate debt collectors are obligated to provide a debt verification letter upon request, detailing the origin of the debt. You can then verify the legitimacy and status of the debt. It’s also crucial to check your state’s statute of limitations on debt to understand your rights and responsibilities fully.

    By staying informed about the typical tactics employed by fraudsters, such as government impersonation and fake debt collection, and understanding our rights, such as requesting debt verification letters, we can better protect ourselves from falling victim to financial exploitation.

    Remember, if something feels off or too good to be true, it’s always wise to verify before taking any action. Together, with knowledge and caution, we can safeguard our finances and peace of mind against the ever-evolving threats of fraudulent schemes.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 24, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    Tax season scams have already started 

    Tax season scams have already started

    By Greg Collier

    This coming Monday, January 29th, is the first day you can file your income tax return. Scammers are aware of this, and will spend the next three months trying to steal from you using your tax return as bait. One report even states that scammers have already started sending out emails impersonating the IRS. The unsolicited emails state you can check the status of your return by clicking on a link. The link will more than likely take you to a website where you’ll be asked to enter your personal information in order to steal your identity. But, that isn’t the only tax scam you should be on the lookout for.

    The IRS impersonation scam stands out as the most prevalent fraudulent activity. In this scheme, perpetrators pretend to be representatives of the IRS when contacting their targets. Usually, these fraudulent callers inform their victims that they are delinquent in their taxes and insist on an immediate payment. Alternatively, some scammers falsely claim that the target is owed a refund and request bank account information. It’s important to note that the IRS typically does not communicate with individuals over the phone regarding tax matters. Any issues with a tax return would be addressed through the mail.

    During tax season, there’s an influx of transient tax preparers who may not have a reliable and long-term presence. If you plan to enlist the services of a professional to file your taxes, it’s crucial to thoroughly research the individual or company beforehand. Exercise caution if a tax preparer indicates an intention to close operations immediately after the filing deadline. In the event of an audit, having a tax preparer who can provide assistance is essential.

    Additionally, be cautious of tax preparers who link their fees to your tax refund. Fees should be determined based on the complexity of your tax return, not the refund amount. Ensure that the fee structure aligns with the effort required to complete your tax filing accurately.

    The most devastating tax scam involves scammers attempting to file a tax return using your identity. This underscores the importance of filing your return promptly. If a scammer successfully files a return in your name, you will likely receive a letter from the IRS indicating the receipt of duplicate returns. In the unfortunate event that you fall victim to this scam, it’s crucial to contact the IRS immediately.

    Delaying your response can complicate the process of rectifying the situation and recovering your tax return. Swift action is essential to minimize the impact of identity-related tax scams. Stay vigilant, file your return as early as possible, and promptly address any suspicious activity with the IRS if you suspect fraudulent filings in your name.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 5, 2023 Permalink | Reply
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    New tax scam arriving in the mail 

    By Greg Collier

    Whenever there is a scam that involves a government agency like the IRS, Medicare, or Social Security, we tell our readers that if those agencies need to get in touch with you, they will do it by postal mail. However, even then, you have to be careful about what you can accept as fact, and what is a scam. Just this week, the IRS sent out a warning to taxpayers about a scam, which is being sent through the mail.

    According to the IRS, official looking letters are being sent in cardboard envelopes to unsuspecting victims. The letters appear to come with official IRS letterhead. But the more someone looks into the letter, the more it looks like a scam.

    The letter tells the recipient they have an unclaimed refund. The promise of ‘free money’ can cause some to ignore the red flags contained in the rest of the letter. For example, the letter asks for a copy of your driver’s license, but the instructions ask for “A Clear Phone of Your Driver’s License.” Then the letter recommends you “Try to Be Checking Your Email for Response”. While many aren’t particularly fond of the IRS, they would never allow a letter to be issued with this many grammatical errors. Not to mention, they wouldn’t capitalize every word.

    The letter also asks for personal information such as the recipient’s Social Security number, cellphone number, and bank account information. Along with a copy of someone’s driver’s license, scammers could easily steal someone’s identity and start taking out loans or opening lines of credit in that person’s name.

    There is also a phony customer service number contained in the letter.

    If you receive mail like this, and you have questions, do not call the number in the letter and don’t reply to any email addresses or websites listed. Instead, contact that federal office directly through their .gov website, or call them at their official customer service number, which can also be found on their website.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on March 28, 2023 Permalink | Reply
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    Not all tax preparers are on the level 

    Not all tax preparers are on the level

    By Greg Collier

    With the income tax deadline less than a month away, we’re sure there are still some who haven’t filed their tax return yet. One of the many benefits of filing early is avoiding a scam that was commonplace during the pandemic. Scammers would file returns in their victim’s name, and collect the return payment. When the victim went to file their return themselves, they would get a letter stating someone else had already claimed their return. This resulted in a bureaucratic nightmare for the victims. If you still haven’t filed, there’s another scam that you need to be aware of, especially if you’re having your taxes done professionally.

    A woman from Virginia is out $3000 after she allowed a company to process her tax return. She found an ad for the company through a social media ad, which we would never recommend doing. The victim went to the company’s website, and they appeared to be legitimate. She even had multiple conversations with the company over the phone and through emails. However, when it came to her tax return, the company allegedly filed her return without her permission and stole the payment. When the victim tried to contact the company, they had already disappeared.

    If you still need your taxes prepared, there are ways to protect yourself from this scam. Make sure to choose a tax preparer who is licensed and registered with the IRS. You can check the credentials of a tax preparer on the IRS website or through the Better Business Bureau.

    If a tax preparer promises you a big refund without even looking at your tax documents, it’s probably too good to be true. Avoid tax preparers who make unrealistic promises.

    Never sign a blank tax return or one that has incomplete information. Review your tax return thoroughly before signing it.

    Review your tax return for accuracy before submitting it to the IRS. If you notice any errors, contact your tax preparer immediately.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on February 7, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , ,   

    New scam targets taxpayers 

    By Greg Collier

    In previous posts about tax season, we’ve warned our readers about the typical scams they might encounter. One of the tips we always give is that the IRS will never call or email you about your income tax return. Instead, the agency sends their notices through postal mail. But what if you got something in the mail that said you owed tax money? That’s what residents of Pennsylvania are having to deal with right now.

    Residents of the Keystone State have already started receiving letters in the mail which claim they owe the state a substantial amount in back taxes. Moreover, the letters residents are receiving threaten them with both wage garnishment and seizure of property if the bill is not paid. The letters are even labeled with “Final Demand for Payment”.

    All of these threats are part of common tactics used in most scams. First, the scammer wants you to have a sense of panic upon seeing the letter. They’re hoping to scare you into sending them a payment without doing any further research. Then the scammers increase the urgency of that fear by using threats of financial loss.

    If you receive a letter like this, don’t panic. Do your research. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, these letters are supposedly being sent by the ‘Tax Assessment Procedures Domestic Judgment Registry’. There is no such office or department in the state of Pennsylvania, or any other state for that matter. A quick Google search turns up a number of state complaints about this scam.

    Also, never call any phone number that may be included in the contents of the letter. That number will just be manned by scammers looking to intimidate you further into making a payment. Instead, go to your state’s Department of Revenues website to locate their direct contact information. They should be able to provide you with correct information about any possible tax balances.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 31, 2023 Permalink | Reply
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    Tax season means time to look out for tax scams 

    Tax season means time to look out for tax scams

    By Greg Collier

    With most employers releasing W2 forms to their employees, it’s time for most of us to start thinking about our tax returns. This year’s deadline is April 18th which will be here before you know it. However, it’s not just the deadline you may have to worry about. There are con artists out there looking to take advantage of your tax return.

    The most common scam is one that takes place all year round, and it’s the IRS impersonation scam. Currently, the Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about receiving phone calls from people claiming to be from the IRS. Typically, these scammers will tell their victims they’re behind in their taxes and demand an immediate payment. Other scammers will say that you’re owed a refund and will ask for your bank account information. In either case, the IRS generally does not call people over the hone. If there was an issue with your return, you would be contacted through the mail.

    Also, during tax season, a number of fly-by-night tax preparers will appear. If you intend to have a professional file your taxes, research that professional or company first. You should be wary of any tax preparer that intends to close up shop after the filing deadline. In case there is an audit, you’d want your tax preparer to be able to help you. Also, be wary of tax preparers who tie their fee to your tax refund. Fees are supposed to be based on how difficult it is to complete your tax return, not your refund.

    Lastly, and the most devastating of tax scams, is when a scammer tries to file a return in your name. This is the main reason why you should file your return as soon as possible. If a scammer did file a return in your name, you’ll receive a letter from the IRS stating they’ve received duplicate returns. If you do become a victim of this scam, contact the IRS right away. The longer you wait, the more difficult it could be to get your tax return.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on March 11, 2022 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , identity protection PIN, , , , , , ,   

    Scam Round Up: Protect yourself from tax scammers and more 

    By Greg Collier

    This week on the Scam Round Up, we’re bringing our readers a great tip, a new scam, and a reminder of an old scam.

    ***

    One of the more prevalent tax related scams over the past few years has been scammers filing a tax return in your name, so they can claim your refund check. Previously, we’ve recommended filing your tax return as early as possible to beat the scammers, but that isn’t always possible. However, there is another way to prevent fraudulent returns being filed in your name. The IRS has an option where you can get an identity protection PIN. This is a six-digit number that only you and the IRS know. If this number is not included on your tax return, it will not be processed by the IRS. If you’d like to know more about the identity protection PIN or apply for one, you can find more information at the IRS website.

    ***

    A Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina has recently uncovered a scam that could be affecting people nationwide. According to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, scammers are stealing money from bank accounts where the account holder may not notice the missing money. They give estate accounts as an example. The scammers will then send a check to an unsuspecting victim asking them to deposit the check, keep a portion of it, and wire the rest overseas. The Sheriff’s Office found a man who was just getting ready to wire close to $200,000 overseas. If you have an account like an estate account, you may want to check on it periodically to make sure there are no fraudulent transactions. Also, no matter how good the promise of money may be, never deposit a check from a stranger then wire the money somewhere else. Not only could this be a fraudulent check, but you could also potentially get in legal trouble for helping to facilitate the scam.

    ***

    Lastly for today, the Border Patrol scam is making headlines again. This is where scammers will pose as agents of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Victims will receive a phone call that says Border Agents intercepted a box full of drugs and money that was supposedly being shipped to the victim. Other times, the scammers will say that a car rented in the victim’s name was found with drugs in it near the Southern Border. In either case, the scammers will threaten the victim with arrest if they don’t pay a fine. As with most modern scams, the scammers will ask for payment in non-traditional means like cryptocurrency or gift cards. Always keep in mind, no law enforcement agency will ever ask for money over the phone or threaten someone with arrest over the phone.

    ***

    We hope you found this post informative, as nobody should ever have to endure the damaging schemes of scammers.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on March 2, 2022 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , ,   

    Here’s how to deal with tax scammers on the phone 

    Here's how to avoid tax scammers on the phone

    By Greg Collier

    We’re just a month and a half away from the tax deadline this year. In 2022, there’s no courtesy extension due to the pandemic. U.S. tax returns are due on Monday, April 18th. As the deadline draws closer, scammers may see it as having their own deadline, the deadline to commit as many tax scams as possible. Not all tax scammers are after your refund check. Many of them are attempting to get your sensitive personal information instead. To accomplish this, they’ll imitate the one federal agency that everyone fears, the IRS.

    Many scammers will call their victims, posing as the Internal Revenue Service. If the scammer is attempting to get money from you, they’ll set out to get you to make a payment to them, typically in non-traditional means like gift cards or cryptocurrency. If the scammers are trying to steal your personal information, they may tell you the IRS owes you money, but they’ll ask you for personal information to verify your identity. What they’re actually attempting is to steal your identity.

    CNBC has a great article on how to help avoid these scams. According to CNBC, if anyone calls you claiming to be the IRS saying you owe them money, ask them for as many details about the supposed case as possible. While it’s not a guarantee the scammer won’t hang up at this point, it is said that it will stop the majority of scammers from pressing forward. You can also tell the caller you’re not comfortable giving personal information over the phone and would rather continue communication by mail.

    It’s always good to keep in mind the IRS does the majority of its official communication through the postal mail. The agency will only call you if you’ve already been in contact with them through the mail. They will not call you about a case that they just opened.

     

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