Don’t Get Fooled by a Tax Scam

In this age of modern technology, it is easy for people to mimic organizations like the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In fact, scammers have developed numerous ways to steal information and money from unsuspecting people. It is easier than ever for scammers to gain access to people’s computers and their private information. It is easier to scare people into wiring money by just a telephone call.  

In this article, we will discuss some of the ways scammers are stealing money and information from the public.  The most popular tools scammers use are: 

1. Phishing and Identity Theft
2. Telephone Scams
3. Tax Preparer Fraud
4. Fake Charities
5. Tax Schemes

Phishing and ID theft happen in many different ways. One way is for a scammer to send you an email with a link or attachment which contains malware and allows the scammer access to your private information and documents if you click on that link or open the attachment. Scammers use this stolen information to file fraudulent tax returns claiming to be someone they are not by using the real person’s information. This allows the scammer to steal your tax refund.

Another popular email scam is an email where the scammer claims to be from the IRS. The email instructs you to click on a link to submit information to get your refund. The email address may even look like it could be legitimate. But do not fall for this scam. The IRS will not do this. If you open an attachment or click on the link, you could give the scammer access to your computer and to your keystrokes, so they can access your bank accounts and other private information. 

Voice phishing is a type of scam where someone calls you and lies about who they are. The caller ID may even say it is the IRS. The scammers threaten you with large fines or extreme penalties if you don’t send money immediately. Scammers are also telling people that they will cancel or suspend their social security numbers.  These people try to get you to pay them money for false IRS debts and will threaten any number of things to get you to do what they want.  

Scammers are also calling claiming to be from Taxpayers Assistance Centers, and the caller ID will even show that number when they call. No one from a Taxpayer Assistance Center will ever call you. These types of telephone calls are meant to scare people because the scammer will threaten to involve the police, immigration, and other government agencies if you do not transfer money over the telephone to them. The phone calls are not limited to regular telephone calls. They are also made through Video Relay Services where they target the deaf or hearing impaired.  

Do not fall for this. The IRS will rarely make telephone calls and will never ask you to pay them over the telephone. If you are concerned that you may owe the IRS, you should hang up and call the IRS at 800-829-1040. If you do owe the IRS money or are concerned about any possible debts, it is a good idea to contact the best IRS tax lawyer in Florida to discuss your concerns. 

Be sure to use a reputable tax preparer for your tax returns, one with a legitimate business and a good reputation. Some scammers use preparer fraud as a way to steal identities and tax returns. They may try to falsify your return to garner you a larger refund. They may claim charitable deductions you did not make or other tax credits that aren’t accurate.  

Some fraudsters may inflate your income, so you qualify for deductions you wouldn’t normally get, or to increase your tax refund in other ways. This is never a good idea, and the end result could be an audit, extra fees, additional taxes owed, and even criminal prosecution.  

Many fraudulent tax preparers won’t sign your tax return as the professional that prepared it, but instead, insist that only you sign it and mail it. Then they direct your refund to their bank account. In addition, some tax preparers will push you to include business credits that you don’t qualify for. Do not let them pressure you to do this or anything else that you know you do not qualify for. If you find yourself facing an IRS audit or additional penalties and fees because of this sort of scam, it is best to call the best IRS tax lawyer in Florida for help – Mary King , of the Law Office of Mary King P.L.

We all donate to charities to help others. Unfortunately, there are some dishonest people that take advantage of your generosity and try to scam people out of money using a fake charity.  

We see this increase during natural disasters like hurricanes, or even around the holidays. When you file your return and include donations to a fake charity you could be in trouble.  

The IRS includes charities on their website, and you should check their list before donating. If you find yourself facing an audit or repercussions for being scammed into doing this, again be sure to contact Mary King, the best IRS tax lawyer in Florida. 

Scammers are always promising the next best way to shelter and keep your money from the IRS through different retirement or other sketchy accounts. Do not fall prey to these schemes. One example is someone pushing you to invest your money in a foreign or domestic trust as a way to avoid paying taxes on that money. The IRS watches out for these types of scams, and when discovered, the IRS punishes to the fullest extent of the law.

Get Out of a Scam Jam by Calling the Best Tax Scams Attorney in Sarasota, Florida

The Law Office of Mary King P.L. offers complete IRS problem-solving services including all areas from tax debt settlement to planning the most efficient tax strategy for individuals and businesses. Call us today to schedule an initial consultation. With years of experience as a tax law firm in Florida, Attorney Mary E. King can make sure that your tax issues are resolved in your favor. Fill out our online contact form , or call us at 941-906-7585.

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