Category Scam

When it comes to selecting someone to prepare your tax return, there are a lot of criteria to consider. Have you thought about whether the person offering to do your taxes is a legitimate tax preparer? The IRS has warned taxpayers to be on the watch for what they’re calling ghost preparers—a catch-all term for …

The IRS warns taxpayers of a new twist on an old scam. Criminals are depositing fraudulent tax refunds into individuals’ actual bank accounts, then attempting to reclaim the refund from the taxpayers. Here are the basic steps criminals follow to carry out this scam. The thief: Hacks tax preparers’ computers to steal taxpayer data. Uses …

The effects of Hurricane Harvey and the flooding in Texas have prompted many people to open their hearts and wallets to try to help the victims. Unfortunately, events like these provide an opportunity for scammers. The Better Business Bureau issued an advisory Monday with these reminders: 1. Don’t fall for copycats. Double-check the name of …

IRS to Use Private Debt Collectors Okay, here’s the scoop: The IRS will begin turning over taxpayer accounts to four private debt collection companies. These firms will be able to keep up to 25% of what they collect. Now before you start to curse the IRS under your breath, know this: the IRS utilized private …

    Teach a man to phish, and he will come up with all sorts of new scams.   This IRS has recently renewed its warning about an email scam that targets payroll and human resources departments.  The scam involves emails sent directly to Payroll/Human Resources requesting personal employee information such as Social Security numbers …