GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Scammers are out in full force during this tax season.
The Better Business Bureau serving West Michigan is providing some advice on how to avoid the scams. Marketing & Community Relations Manager Katie Grevious said on West Michigan's Morning News the scammers are contacting people pretending to be with the Internal Revenue Service, and saying they owe back taxes.
"Or they qualify for a tax grant. And the purpose is to try and get your information, get that Social Security number, try to get your banking number. And they're really good at it. They're using badge numbers and official-looking logos, official language," Grevious told WOOD Radio.
It is a red flag if you are feeling a sense of urgency or a threat from someone claiming to be with the IRS.
Grevious said it is important to make sure you are on a trusted website when filing taxes.
"The IRS is never going to ask for that sensitive information over the phone or through e-mail. They're not going to text, email or call you. They're going to send a lot of letters in the mail first," she said.
In addition, the scammers are sending bogus emails with links to fake IRS websites requesting an update to your IRS e-file immediately. Taxpayers also may receive an envelope from a delivery service, which includes a fake I-R-S letter about an unclaimed refund and asks for personal and financial information.
The BBB provided some tips in a news release:
Use an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS before you file your return. This six-digit number confirms your identity and Social Security number.
This six-digit number confirms your identity and Social Security number. Visit the IRS for more information about the program. Read BBB's tips about the IRS PIN.
Make sure you are on the REAL IRS website when filing your taxes electronically or inquiring for additional information.
The IRS will contact you by mail first, not by phone or email. Do not be deceived by caller ID, badge numbers, logos, or official-sounding language. Be wary if the caller is pushy. The real IRS will never demand immediate payment, require a specific form of payment, or ask for payment information over the phone.
When in doubt, contact the IRS to confirm any contact you receive is legitimate. If you’re unsure whether you’re talking with a scammer, stop communication with the individual and contact the IRS independently. Tell them what the individual has claimed and is asking for, and they should be able to confirm whether you’re talking with the real IRS or a scammer.
Other tips:
Only deal with trustworthy tax professionals and tax preparation services. Finding a trustworthy tax preparer may be a better option than filing yourself. But, not all tax preparers have the same level of experience and training. See our tips for finding the right tax preparer for you and always look for the BBB Seal – it’s The Sign of a Better Business!
If you are the victim of tax identity theft, contact the IRS at 1-800-908-4490. You should also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP. The FTC also offers a personalized identity theft recovery plan at identitytheft.gov.
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ABOUT BBB®: BBB in Western Michigan is a nonprofit, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. BBB Serving Western Michigan serves 38 counties in the Lower Peninsula from the Indiana border to near our State's capital and north to the Mackinac Bridge. Visit BBB.org for more information.
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