Tax Scam Bill Reaches More Than $20 Million
Do you know where your tax return is? Are you sure that next year’s tax return is safe? It’s clear that the IRS does not have a strong prevention plan in place to stop would-be tax scammers from getting to your personal information and then using it to steal your tax return. According to a recent report from the top tax agency, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) has received about 600,000 contacts since October 2013 in regards to tax scams. The TIGTA also noted that there have already been thousands of victims who have collectively lost more than $20 million in that time.
According to the IRS, most scammers pose as employees of the IRS and go after those that are most vulnerable, especially the elderly. However, their threatening tactics are clear-cut signs that they are not with the IRS. The agency will never call anyone and ask for personal information over the phone. The IRS will also always send a letter in the mail first, before contacting you by phone.
However, as the number of scams increases so do the scammers’ methods and abilities. Every year tax scammers get more sophisticated in their efforts. This year the IRS found that scammers have started to change phone number caller IDs in order to make it look as though the IRS is actually calling. Additionally, many scammers are starting to learn more about their victims even before they call, so they can appear to be even more legit.
If you think anyone has tried to scam you out of your tax return then the IRS suggests calling the following number: 1-800-829-1040.
Partnerships for Strategic Conservation – Barry Gold
Barry Gold Outlines a Bold Vision for Conservation and Sustainable Development Africa is on the brink of a transformation—one that will define the future of the continent and, ultimately, the planet. With its population projected to double from 1.3 billion today to 2.2 billion by 2050 and reach nearly 4 billion by 2100, the demand…
Restoring Gorongosa National Park
Greg Carr’s Mission to Restore Gorongosa National Park: A Story of Conservation and Community Greg Carr’s journey from a successful technology entrepreneur to a dedicated philanthropist restoring Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park is nothing short of remarkable. What began as a search for a meaningful way to give back has evolved into one of the most…
The Ownership Revolution: How ESOPs Can Strengthen the Middle Class
The Ownership Revolution: How ESOPs Can Strengthen the Middle Class For decades, the American middle class has been the foundation of economic stability, embodying the aspirations of millions. Yet, as Chester Woolley eloquently highlighted in his recent speech, this once-thriving segment of society is in decline. “The middle class seems to be shrinking. It doesn’t…
Dr. Stel Nikolakakis on The Power of Vision Therapy
Unlocking Potential: The Power of Vision Therapy Vision therapy is emerging as a transformative tool for individuals with learning disabilities, ADHD, concussions, and even high-performance athletes. Dr. Stel Nikolakakis, an optometrist and a pioneer in neuro-visual training, discovered the profound impact of vision therapy through a deeply personal experience—his son’s diagnosis with cerebral palsy. His…