April 15 is almost here, but that
doesn’t mean consumers can’t get scammed by unscrupulous tax preparers.
“Tax scams peak around tax filing day,”
Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt said. “We cannot stress enough to watch
out for those who promise faster turnarounds, bigger refunds, or credits. What
looks like a good deal at first, could cost you more in the long run.”
The Internal Revenue Service points out
scams to be aware of this year:
- Identity thieves are using people’s
Social Security numbers or other identifying information to fraudulently file
tax returns and claim refunds.
- Fake e-mails, known as phishing, from
the IRS are being used to attempt to obtain confidential personal and financial
information so the sender can steal consumers’ identity. Never respond to these
e-mails or open the attachments.
- Unscrupulous tax preparers prey on
taxpayers by encouraging consumers to claim false information for larger
refunds, which can result in fraud or theft.
- Scammers often promote that “free
money” is available from the IRS and claim that securing this money requires
little or no documentation. Some even guarantee fraudulent Social Security
refunds or rebates.
To avoid becoming a victim this tax
season, the Attorney Generals Office’s offers these tax safety tips:
- Be wary of offers to split your refund
in exchange for filing your return.
- When you file your taxes electronically,
use a software provider that’s authorized by the IRS. If using a tax preparer,
make sure they’re authorized to do so by the IRS.
- Look out for unsolicited offers to
prepare your taxes from an unfamiliar company or one that’s located far away.
Pruitt reminds taxpayers that they’re
responsible for what’s on their returns even if someone else prepared it for
them.
If something sounds too good to be
true, then it probably is, he said. Staying alert and being cautious can help
prevent costly mistakes.
If you think you may be at risk or have
been a victim of tax fraud, contact the IRS at 800-908-4490. If you have
questions about your taxes, visit www.IRS.gov or call or visit your local IRS
office.
