Beware of these two tax scams
Tax time is stressful enough. Having someone file a bogus claim in your name or discovering that your tax preparer is a fake can ratchet up the stress to stratospheric levels.
Prevention is the best way to avoid getting your tax return hijacked. If someone does file a false return in your name, you can fix the problem, but it’s a sure bet that your refund will be delayed.
Scammers have plenty of ways to take advantage of you, but two favorite scams occur during tax time. Since the start of the COVID-19 epidemic, tax-related identify theft has increased by 45 percent, says Linda Williams, community outreach and training manager for Consumer Action.
The first type of tax scam is preparer fraud. The criminals set up shop as expert tax preparers and promise big refunds. For a fee, they fill out a return filled with trumped-up tax deductions and credits, with your name on the return. When the refund rolls in, it will go to their own bank accounts. By the time you come looking for them, they’ll be long gone.
What should you do if you discover that your tax preparer is a swindler, or you learn that your tax return has been hacked? To read the full story, please click here.
Remember: The Fund will NEVER contact you to ask for your bank account, Social Security number or other personal information. If you are concerned about that a communication from us may not be real, do not hesitate to email us at Ask, or call 817-632-8900. Be smart, be safe!