IRS Tax Problems

Beware: These IRS Tax Scams are Running Rampant

by
Bob Mason
on
7/18/2021
Beware: These IRS Tax Scams are Running Rampant

Though tax season has passed, that has done nothing to stop scammers from separating people from their money. The most popular and effective methods take advantage of people's long-standing fear of the Internal Revenue Service. Crooks know that people – even those who are innocent – are afraid of the IRS pursuing them over mistakes, so they say they're calling from the agency or slap an IRS logo on a letter or email and know that people are more likely to do whatever they ask them to.

According to IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig, the number of tax thefts increased dramatically when people were isolated as a result of COVID-19. "We continue to see scam artists use the pandemic to steal money and information from honest taxpayers in a time of crisis. The IRS urges all taxpayers to be on guard, especially during the pandemic, not only for themselves, but also for other people in their lives.”

Learning the methods that crooks use is one of the best ways to protect yourself from falling pretty to them. Some of the most frequently seen include:

  • “Phishing” expeditions, phone ‘vishing' (voice “phishing”), and ransomware that capture personal information
  • Impersonating charities, immigration aid societies, and elder care charities
  • Ruses such as “syndicated conservation easements” and enticements such as “offer in compromise” schemes that coax taxpayers into actions that work against their own best interest
  • Theft of COVID stimulus checks and other forms of Economic Impact Payment theft related to the pandemic

How can you tell whether somebody is trying to rip you off?

  • Keep your eyes open for texts, emails and phone calls where the caller or sender asks you for personal information, especially bank information or Social Security information.
  • If you receive an unexpected email, text message or even a Facebook messenger message that asks you to click on a link or to verify your identity, think twice before clicking on it.
  • Sign up for mail alerts so that you know what mail is coming your way. Thieves are starting to target mailboxes. If you believe that something has been taken from your mailbox, alert the Postal Inspectors.
  • Be aware that the IRS does not contact taxpayers via telephone, email, text, or social media. If you hear from anybody saying that they are the IRS through any of those forms of communication, ignore it – or better yet, report it.
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Bob Mason

Bob Mason

Bob Mason is the founder of Coast Financial Services Inc. servicing both the Santa Cruz, and San Jose areas. Bob Mason is a skilled financial professional who is fully equipped to assist any of your accounting needs. Founding his firm in Santa Cruz, Bob understands the importance of small businesses and how they form the backbone of the area. Coast Financial Services, Inc. has been dedicated to the growth and profitability of businesses in Santa Cruz for 17 years. To learn more about Bob Mason and the rest of his team, visit their website.

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