Money

Officials Remind Taxpayers To Watch Out For Refund Scams

March 13, 2018 03:29·
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In cases where a tax return was not filed, the law provides most taxpayers with a three-year window to claim a refund. "This is a good time for people to think about ways that they can protect themselves".

The Federal Trade Commission has a new warning out Monday to avoid new tax-related scams.

Hacks tax preparers' computers to steal taxpayer data.

In one version of the scam reported to the IRS, a taxpayer reported receiving a fraudulent refund, and later getting an automated call with a recording of someone claiming to be from the IRS. "And there's no penalty for filing a late return if you're due a refund". The recording threatened the taxpayer with criminal fraud charges, an arrest warrant and a "blacklisting" of their social security number.

There are established procedures taxpayers should follow to return erroneous funds to the IRS.

"The thieves then contact you, often by phone, and - posing as the IRS or debt collectors for the IRS - demand you return the money to the IRS", said Colleen Tressler, consumer education specialist with the FTC.

"The scammers will call you acting like they're from the IRS, leaving a message with a case number saying you have to call them back and return your tax refund". Refunds may also be held to offset unpaid child support or past due federal debts such as student loans.

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The IRS encourages taxpayers to discuss the issue with their financial institutions because there may be a need to close bank accounts.

Do not trust the number you see on your caller ID, even if it appears to be coming from the IRS.

Scammers use multiple methods to trick victims out of their money, according to Hiya, a phone spam protection company that analyzed the growth in tax scam calls made in January and February of this year versus 2017.

Educate yourself on phishing schemes, which involve fake email messages created to steal sensitive information, such as passwords, usernames or personal financial information. Use different passwords for each account. Use a mix of letters, numbers and special characters. If it's not a URL you recognize or if it's an abbreviated address, don't click on it.

The criminals fool you by making websites that look real, but they're set up collect personal information that can be used to commit fraud, including identity theft.

The IRS said the median potential refund for California non-filers from 2014 is $785.

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