SCAM ALERT: Don't fall victim to any of what the IRS calls the "Dirty Dozen" tax scams during filing season!
1. Identity Theft: someone uses your personal information, name, Social Security Number or other information to commit fraud, file a return, or claim a refund.
2. Pervasive Telephone Scams: someone calls pretending to be from the IRS to steal money or identities from victims. They may use fake names and IRS badge numbers and threaten victims with arrest for failure to pay through pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer.
3. Phishing: may be done through unsolicited emails or fake websites to obtain financial information. The IRS DOES NOT initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request information.
4. False Promises of "Free Money" from Inflated Refunds: scam artists routinely pose as tax preparers promising large refunds using flyers, phony store fronts, or cold calls. If it sounds too good to be true... it likely is!
and more... Return Preparer Fraud, Hiding Income Offshore, Impersonation of Charitable Organizations, False Income, Expenses or Exemptions, Frivolous Arguments, Falsely Claiming Zero Wages or Using False Form 1099, Abusive Tax Structures, and Misuse of Trusts.
See www.irs.gov for more information about these scams and what you can do to protect yourself and report such criminal activity.
