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  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 13, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , IRS, , 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 May 15, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , IRS, ,   

    Armed IRS scammer meets victim in parking lot 

    Armed IRS scammer meets victim in parking lot

    By Greg Collier

    In recent years, scammers have grown increasingly bold in their efforts to extort money. While many scams continue to be executed online or over the phone, a new and more audacious group of scammers is now showing up at meetings with victims to collect their illicit gains in person. This brazen approach significantly heightens the danger for victims, particularly when firearms are involved.

    This week, a 51-year-old Michigan woman was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She was allegedly involved in an elaborate scam aimed at intimidating victims into believing they were under investigation for tax fraud.

    The mastermind behind the scam was a man the suspect met online. He initiated the scheme by sending a text message to the victim, purportedly from the IRS, claiming the victim was under investigation for filing a fraudulent tax return. The victim was then threatened with a federal arrest.

    The scammer provided the suspect with fake documents, including an FBI arrest warrant and an IRS receipt. She delivered these documents to a parking lot, where she was tasked with collecting $60,000 from the victim. In return, she was promised $2,500 of the proceeds.

    To make the charade seem more convincing, the suspect carried an authentic police badge issued to someone else in Michigan. Most alarmingly, she was armed with a fully loaded firearm, which she kept in a holster.

    Whenever a firearm is involved in a situation like this, the outcome can be highly unpredictable and potentially violent. The best protection against such scenarios is to recognize the typical signs of a scam.

    In this particular scenario, it’s important to remember that the IRS will never call, text, or email you. If there is an issue with a tax return, the IRS will only communicate through a letter sent by mail. Additionally, they will never send someone to meet you to collect a payment, especially not in a parking lot. Anyone claiming to be from the government and arranging to meet you for money is a scammer.

    It is recommended that anyone who engages with a message like this should contact their local police immediately.

     

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

    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
    Tags: , IRS, , , ,   

    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 9:00 am on November 21, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: IRS, ,   

    IRS warns of romance scams 

    IRS warns of romance scams

    By Greg Collier

    When many people think of the Internal Revenue Service, they only think of having to pay their income tax to the government. However, the IRS also has a Criminal Investigation Office. These are the federal agents tasked with going after scammers and scam rings. Recently, the IRS sounded the alarm on romance scams after a Federal Trade Commission report said that over 70,000 people lost a combined total of $1.3 billion in 2022. And those are only the ones the government knows about. Many romance scam victims never come forward out of embarrassment.

    If you’re unfamiliar with romance scams, they mostly target women, but it’s not unheard of for men to be victims as well. Romance scammers also tend to target the elderly as well, but anyone of any age can be a victim.

    These scammers largely find their victims on social media, dating platforms, and sometimes online games. Romance scammers are very patient and will trick their victims into believing that they’re in a real relationship. More often than not, the scammers will pose as someone living or working overseas. The victims will experience a process known as ‘love bombing’ where the scammer will dote on their victims with little romantic touches.

    These relationships will be cultivated by the scammers for months before they finally approach their victims for money. The scammer will usually have a story about how some kind of emergency has come up, and since they’re overseas, they can’t access their own money. Or they’ll claim they need the money as part of an investment in their business. All the while, the scammers will promise their victims they’ll repay the money when they finally meet in person.

    Except, romance scammers will never meet their victims in person. Often these scammers use someone else’s identity that they found online. They’ll use pictures of other people they stole from social media, and even use that person’s name in their scam. But, they’ll continue to ask for money until the victim is either broke or finally catches on to the scam.

    Here are some recommendations from the IRS to help you steer clear of falling prey to romance scams. Refrain from sending money to individuals you’ve only interacted with online or via phone. Exercise caution when sharing information publicly on the internet. Approach new relationships with a deliberate pace and ask probing questions. Stay vigilant if someone appears too flawless or hastily urges you to transition from a dating service or social media platform to alternative means of communication. Be wary of individuals attempting to isolate you from your circle of friends and family. Avoid sharing inappropriate images or financial details that could potentially be exploited for extortion. And lastly, exercise suspicion if promises of an in-person meeting are made but never materialize.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 5, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: IRS, , ,   

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

    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
    Tags: , IRS, , ,   

    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 November 29, 2022 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , IRS, , , ,   

    Scam Round Up: Job scam wants your Facebook login and more 

    Scam Round Up: Job scam wants your Facebook login and more

    By Greg Collier

    If you’re thinking of sending money to relatives as a gift this holiday season, you may want to reconsider writing a check. Once again, scammers are stealing mail from mailboxes in hopes of finding a handwritten check. In a process called check washing, scammers can soak the check in chemicals that will remove the ink from a handwritten check. The scammers will then write the check for any amount they please before cashing it.

    To better protect yourself from this scam, mail any checks you may be sending inside the post office itself. This goes a long way in preventing the mail from being stolen. There are also special pens you can purchase that are resistant to the check washing chemicals.

    ***

    The Federal Trade Commission has issued an alert warning taxpayers about a refund scam. According to the FTC, scammers have been sending out text messages claiming you’re eligible for a ‘tax rebate’or some other kind of payment from the IRS. As with most text messaging scams, the messages contain a link for the recipient to click on to get their supposed refund. Clicking on the link could have devastating consequences as it could either ask you for personal or financial information, leading to identity theft, or it could inject malware into your phone.

    Just keep in mind that the IRS is never going to initiate contact with a taxpayer through text messages. If there is any kind of issue concerning your federal taxes, you will receive a notice in the mail before anything else.

    ***

    A woman from Missouri was almost scammed out of her Facebook account while applying for a job online. A friend of a friend had posted a job ad on his Facebook page. While interviewing for the job, she was told that she was being interviewed by the company’s founder and CEO. All the interviews took place through messaging apps like Messenger and Google Chat. The phony CEO asked the woman for a copy of her driver’s license and Social Security card, which may not seem unusual. However, she was also asked for her Facebook login information. Thankfully, she realized this was a scam and cut off contact with the scammer.

    While there have been stories in the past about employers asking for employees’ Facebook logins, those are rare exceptions and not the norm. This seems like the scammers wanted her personal information to hijack her Facebook account and use it for additional scams. Having her personal information might allow them to claim that they are the actual owners of the Facebook account. The acquaintance’s account was more than likely hijacked by the scammers.

     

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