With tax season officially underway, BBB is receiving reports of tax scams targeting Valley residents.
While consumers are looking for ways to reduce their tax payment or increase their tax refund, scam artists claiming to be with a “tax department” are offering consumers a higher, immediate refund through email and telephone calls.
Here are a few scenarios scam artists use to lure victims into a tax scam:
Phone call refunds. BBB has received reports of scammers calling consumers stating since they have paid their taxes on time in previous years, they are eligible for more money. Then they ask for their checking account information. Be advised that IRS does not contact consumers by phone to offer an extra refund amount. Do not give your personal account information to someone you don’t know over the phone.
Phishing Emails. Consumers report receiving emails claiming to be from the IRS, stating they are eligible to receive a tax refund up to $400. They are asked to submit a tax refund request by clicking on a link in the email. Phishing emails are sent through the Internet in hopes to “hook” recipients into giving scam artists personal information such as social security numbers, bank account information, logins and passwords. When receiving a suspicious email from someone you don’t know, do not click on any of its content; simply delete.
Big Refunds…for a fee. These scam artists approach you wanting to “borrow” your social security number or give you a phony W-2 so it appears that you qualify for a big refund. They may offer to split the refund with you. Keep in mind, that anyone who promises you a bigger refund without knowing your tax situation is most likely misleading you. Never sign a tax return without looking it over to make sure it is honest and correct.
For taxpayers, it pays to be choosy about disclosing personal and financial information. And the IRS encourages taxpayers to carefully select a reputable tax professional.
Before you do business with a tax professional, check them out with your Better Business Bureau. Start at arizonabbb.org.
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