If you’ve fallen prey to a tax scam, you’re not alone. Hundreds of thousands of people have been tricked into money and identity loss by frauds posing as the IRS. With the tax deadline rapidly approaching, you’ll want to be sure you don’t get suckered in by these scammers! We’ve shared a few tips to keep in mind to make sure your money stays where it belongs- with you.
First things first, always remember that the Internal Revenue Service will not make their initial contact with you by email or phone. It is not uncommon for tax scammers to call posing as the IRS and threaten you with arrest or losing your job if you don’t pay them the money you supposedly “owe”. If you receive an email or phone call from someone saying they’re from the IRS, don’t buy it!
Scammers may also fake a confirmation call, asking you to confirm your social security number to protect your identity. Some even have advanced equipment so that it appears they are calling from the IRS, or provide a faux badge number to make you feel at ease. Despite what your caller ID may show, do not give this person any of your information. The IRS would never retrieve your information in this fashion.
Much like these shady phone calls, tax scammers have also been known to send emails trying to take your money. This is, again, something that the IRS does not do, so be as careful as you can be. Do not click on any links within the email, as they may be used to steal your identity. Stop the scam as quick as you can by forwarding suspicious emails to [email protected] or by contacting 1-800-829-1040.
Please don’t hesitate to call Paragon with any IRS or tax season concerns; we’re committed to making sure your hard earned cash is safe with you!
