Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, February 18, 2014
(UNDATED) - Around tax time, thousands of emails, faxes, and phone calls begin circulating, claiming to be from the IRS. The Better Business Bureau is warning tax payers - don’t fall victim to tax scams.
The IRS does not call residents. So don't talk to anyone claiming to be from the IRS on the phone. Identity thieves pose as IRS collection personnel offering you a refund, if you just provide your personal information.
The IRS does not send emails. If you receive an email, supposedly from the IRS, forward it to phishing@irs.gov
The IRS will not ask for your personal information, including your bank or credit card numbers, account pin, or password or mother's maiden name.
BBB shares these common IRS scams:
* Beware of emails with links that take you to 3rd party sites asking for your personal information in order to get your refund.
* An "IRS representative" calls, saying a mistake was made on your taxes and the IRS owes you money. All they need is your banking account information to deposit the funds.
* Turbo Tax sends you an email asking you to download updates, to comply with IRS requirements. However, the download is a virus that can wreck your computer's security. Turbo Tax will not email you about updates. Check for updates from within the program.
BBB reminds you that the official IRS website ends in ".gov" Any IRS web address that does not begin with http://www.irs.gov should be forwarded to phishing@irs.gov.
If you believe your personal information has been stolen and used for tax purposes, you should immediately contact the IRS at 800-908-4490.
Something else to consider, while most tax return preparers are professionals who provide honest and excellent services to their clients, according to the IRS, some "make basic errors or engage in fraud and other illegal activities."
You can also check out a company's track record at www.bbb.org or call 1-800-388-2222.
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