"Did you know?" #5

DID YOU KNOW about the latest scams claiming to be from the IRS?

Tax scams are nothing new, but one of the most recent scams popping up is a letter arriving in a cardboard envelope claiming to be from the IRS, claiming to be regarding an “unclaimed refund.” It asks to verify your personal information, including asking for a picture of your driver’s license. This is from identity thieves who want your personal information for fraudulent use. There are also similar email scams circulating. These identity thieves want your information so they can sell it, apply for credit in your name, file a fraudulent claim for a tax refund, and the list goes on. If you receive an email or letter that you aren’t sure about, contact us here at the Clinic so we can help you determine if it is legitimate!

Here is a reminder directly from the www.IRS.gov website:

“Any text messages, random incoming phone calls or emails inquiring about bank account information, requesting recipients to click a link or verify data should be considered suspicious and deleted without opening. This includes not just stimulus payments, but tax refunds and other common issues.

Remember, the IRS won't initiate contact by phone, email, text, or social media asking for Social Security numbers or other personal or financial information related to Economic Impact Payments. Also, be alert to mailbox theft. Routinely check your mail and report suspected mail losses to postal inspectors.

Reminder: The IRS has issued all Economic Impact Payments. Most eligible people already received their stimulus payments. People who are missing a stimulus payment or got less than the full amount may be eligible to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2020 or 2021 federal tax return. Taxpayers should remember that the IRS website, IRS.gov, is the agency's official website for information on payments, refunds, and other tax information.”

You can find more information about tax scams at: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scams-consumer-alerts.