Denver, CO –
February 7, 2012 – Whether
you have filed your taxes already or not, now is the time to be especially
guarded against tax scams. For those who still need to file, it is important to
choose one of the many reputable tax preparers out there and not fall victim to
someone unethical. For those who have filed already, beware of any strange
communications about your refund that appear to be coming from your bank or the
IRS.
“It’s
the time of year for tax filers to steer clear of unqualified preparers who are
just trying to make a buck and may not be very honest,” said Dale Mingilton,
president and CEO of the BBB Serving Denver/Boulder. “Tax season is also when
scammers make an extra push to get people to fall for phishing attempts.”
One
of the most common tax scams involves phishing for your private information by
someone who is impersonating the IRS. They may say that there is a problem with
your refund and they need your personal and/or financial information to resolve
the issue. These phishing attempts have been known to happen via phone or
email. Consumers should know that the IRS does not correspond with the public
in this manner.
Unethical
tax preparers have been known to skim part of their clients’ refunds, overcharge
for services, and attract clients by making promises that are too good to be
true. According to the IRS, federal courts have issued hundreds of injunctions
ordering individuals to cease preparing returns, and the Department of Justice
has pending complaints against dozens of others.
Follow
these tips from your BBB to avoid falling victim to a scam as tax season wraps
up:
- Beware of any phishing emails
or phone calls that seem to be from the IRS or your bank. Do not give any
personal information or click on any links.
- Contact the IRS or your bank
directly if you receive such a correspondence. Ask them if they are trying
to get in touch with you. They are likely NOT and you should forward them
the email you received for them to investigate.
- Beware of anyone who pressures
you to sign up for immediate payment of your refund that involves high
interest loan. Consider these options carefully and do not be
high-pressured.
- Beware of those that boast they
can get larger refunds than their competitors.
- Beware of anyone who bases
their fee on a percentage of the refund amount, rather than the complexity
of the tax return.
- Check out tax preparers with
your BBB first at www.denver.bbb.org.
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About the BBB
The BBB is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high
standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB
Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high
standards of ethical business behavior. The BBB provides objective advice, free
BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM on charities, and
educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further
promote trust, your BBB also offers dispute resolution services for consumers
and businesses. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve
communities across the U.S.
and Canada.
Please visit www.denver.bbb.org
for more information.
