Deep Blue Publications Group LLC: Be Wary of this Season’s Tax Filing Scams
The 2013 tax filing season opens on Jan. 31, but it’s not
just the IRS that is ready for your returns--so are scammers.
Tax-related
scams are becoming more popular and complicated, making it hard for filers
to stay protected. The IRS offers the following warnings to help spot potential
fraud and reduce your exposure:
1. Be
wary of any unexpected communications claiming to be from the IRS at the start
of tax season. If you receive any tax notices, take them to the person who
prepared your income tax return to determine their validity and to create a
necessary course of action if the notice is legitimate.
2. Don’t
talk to anyone claiming to be from the IRS on the phone. The agency will not
call you on the phone. Identity thieves will pose as IRS collection personnel
or a customer service representative offering you a refund—all you need to do
is provide your personal information. Don’t fall for it.
3. The
IRS does not send emails to taxpayers. Never! If you receive an email
supposedly from the IRS forward it to phishing@irs.gov. And do not open any
attachments.
4. The
IRS will never ask you for your bank
account PIN number, passwords or other similar confidential information
such as mother’s maiden name for bank accounts or credit card accounts.
To help
keep your personal information safe, the IRS suggests taking the following
actions:
1. Don’t
carry your Social Security card or
any documents that include your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer
Identification Number. Keep them stored in a safe place away from the eyes of
others.
2. Don’t give a business
your Social Security number or ITIN just because they ask. Give it only when
required. If you are self-employed providing services to other businesses, you
may be required to provide this information on IRS Form W9 for 1099 purposes.
For this reason, it may be prudent to apply for a Federal ID number to further
ensure the security of your Social
Security number.
3. Secure
personal information in your home in a safe place.
4. Check
your credit report every 12 months to make sure there’s no unusual activity or
illegitimate credit lines.
5.
Protect your personal computers by using firewalls and anti-spam/virus
software, updating security patches and changing passwords for Internet
accounts.
6. Don’t
give personal information over the phone, through the mail or on the Internet
unless you have initiated the contact and are sure of the recipient.
7. Be
careful when you choose a tax preparer. Most preparers provide excellent
service, but there are a few who are unscrupulous. Refer to Tips to Help you
Choose a Tax Preparer for more details.