It’s Time for a Tax Scam Refresher Course

Despite repeated warnings from the media and the IRS alike, thousands of people are conned out of money every tax season by scammers. Make sure you’re not one of them. Here is a list of some of the most common scams the IRS sees this time of year. The list is not all-inclusive, as scammers will stop at nothing to cheat both taxpayers and the IRS out of as much money as they can every year. However, it does give you good idea of what you’re up against.

  • Phone Scams – the IRS will never call you and make threats or ask for important personal information over the phone. Don’t fall for anyone impersonating the IRS with threats of deportation or other serious consequences.
  • Identity Theft – whatever you do to protect yourself from identify theft throughout the year, you should double those precautions at this time of year. Stealing your identity is one of the most common tools scammers use to steal your tax refund.
  • Shady Preparer – don’t fall for any tax preparer that promises you a huge refund, ask you to sign a blank return, or wants to charge you according to a percentage of your refund.
  • Phishing – another common attack is called phishing, wherein scammers use fake emails or websites to trick people into giving away personal information. The IRS does not employ these methods.
  • Fake Charities – another way con artists scam taxpayers is by getting them to donate funds to fake charities as they look for another way to reduce their tax bill. Consult the IRS website to be sure a charity is actually legitimate, before you donate.
  • False Credit Claims – don’t give into the temptation to falsify your income in order to receive more credits, even if your preparer tells you it’s OK.

Don’t Be Fooled

If you feel that someone is trying to scam you in regards to your taxes, don’t let them get away with it. Anything that sounds to good to be true or doesn’t pass the proverbial smell-test is probably a scam. Instead, trust your taxes with the experienced and knowledgeable tax professionals at GROCO. We can help you avoid scams and get the greatest refund possible. Just call us today at 1-877-CPA-2006, or connect with us online.

Posted in
Dr. Naveen Singh

From the Wrestling Mat to Data Innovation: How Dr. Naveen Singh is Reshaping Tech

In the world of high-stakes tech entrepreneurship, background stories don’t get much more unique than that of Dr. Naveen Singh. A former Olympic-style wrestler turned telecom executive, turned Distributed Ledger Technology pioneer, Dr. Singh has woven seemingly disparate fields—sports, healthcare, and cutting-edge tech—into a singular mission. Now at the helm of Inery, a decentralized database management system…

Tanya Jones

Tanya Jones: The American Dream

Tanya Jones: The American Dream This week we sit down with Tanya Jones, host of The American Dream TV Show in Kansas City. Tanya shares her inspiring journey of transitioning from being a stay-at-home mom to helping manage her husband’s masonry business, pursuing a career in real estate, and eventually becoming a host for The…

5 dynamic philanthropy and impact investing insights

5 Dynamic Philanthropy & Impact Investing Insights

The Power of Impact Investing: Bridging Philanthropy and Profit This article is based on an interview of Geoff “Chester” Wooley, Co-founder, Patamar Capital and current Board member of SKS Microfinance, India’s largest microfinance bank by Alan Olsen on his American Dreams show on behalf of Legacy Builder’s invitation only philanthropy events. Impact investing is more…

3 Powerful Leadership and Mentorship Pillars

3 Powerful Leadership and Mentorship Pillars

This article about powerful global leadership and mentorship pillars is based on an interview of Lew Cramer by Alan Olsen, CPA on his American Dreams show on behalf of Legacy Builder’s invitation only philanthropy events. In an era where global connections and visionary leadership drive progress, few individuals embody these principles as effectively as Mr.…