The deadline to file your taxes is quickly approaching, so we’re here to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible!
It’s important to be weary of tax scams that not only cost you financially but put your personal information at risk. Last year, there was a reported 294,138 complaints to the IRS about identity theft. To ensure you’re not one of those complaints this year, here are some common tax scams you want to be aware of so you don’t fall victim.
Phishing & Impersonation Scams
Phishing scams occur when emails, texts or websites, that at first glance appear to be legitimate, request personal and financial information by falsely presenting as an agency or someone they are not. False IRS emails can be reported to hishing@irs.gov.
Fake IRS Calls
Fake IRS calls are an example of an impersonation scam. Callers tend to pose as IRS agents, threatening legal action if payments aren’t made at once. The IRS has confirmed that they do not make such demanding requests of personal and financial data via email, text or social media.
Debt Collection Scams
Debt collection scams use debt as leverage to demand payment by posing as a collection agency or employees of the IRS or Department of Taxes.
Identify Theft Scams
General identity theft in terms of taxes occurs when someone (that isn’t you) uses your personal information to file. These fraudulent tax returns lead to the wrong person claiming refunds.
Unclaimed tax refund
This particular scam gets victims’ to share their personal information under the false pretense that they are owed a refund.
Illegitimate Unemployment Benefits
Some scammers illegally obtain benefits by using a victim’s personal information to make fraudulent unemployment claims.
Stay safe NYC and be cautious!