We have added new shareable graphics to raise awareness around scams during this tax season. You can download and share these tips with your residents on Neighbors.
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Don’t Let Tax Scammers Fool You!
Sample message:
Attention residents, we would like to remind you to be cautious of tax scams and fraudulent schemes during the tax season. Criminals often use phone calls, emails, and text messages to trick people into giving them money or personal information. Please remember that the IRS will never call or email you to ask for immediate payment, nor will they demand payment in the form of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum.
It is essential to keep your personal information and financial data secure. Do not give out any information unless you are sure of the identity of the person or organization you are dealing with. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of any communication you receive from the IRS, do not hesitate to contact them directly through their official channels.
Remember that cryptocurrency is not an acceptable form of payment to the IRS, and attempting to pay your taxes with cryptocurrency could result in serious consequences. Stay alert and informed to avoid becoming a victim of tax scams and fraudulent schemes. Your safety and security are of utmost importance to us.
#SaferNeighborhoodsTogether
Source: Federal Trade Commission
Stay Safe This Tax Season
Sample message:
If you receive an email claiming to be from the IRS that contains a request for personal information, taxes associated with a large investment, inheritance or lottery:
- Don't Reply
- Don't open any attachments. They can contain malicious code that may infect your computer or mobile phone.
- Don't click on any links.
- Forward the email as-is to Phishing@irs.gov.
- Delete the original email.
#SaferNeighborhoodsTogether
Source: Internal Revenue Service
Gift Card Scams
Sample message:
Here's how this scam usually happens:
- The most common way scammers request gift cards is over the phone through a government impersonation scam. However, they will also request gift cards through a text message, email or social media.
- A scammer posing as an IRS agent will call the taxpayer or leave a voicemail with a callback number informing the taxpayer that they are linked to some criminal activity. For example, the scammer will tell the taxpayer their identify has been stolen and used to open fake bank accounts.
- The scammer will threaten or harass the taxpayer by telling them that they must pay a fictitious tax penalty.
- The scammer instructs the taxpayer to buy gift cards from various stores.
- Once the taxpayer buys the gift cards, the scammer will ask the taxpayer to provide the gift card number and PIN
#SaferNeighborhoodsTogether
Source: Federal Trade Commission
Hang up, Its a scam!
Sample message:
The IRS will never:
- Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes.
- Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.
- Demand that taxes be paid without giving taxpayers the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
- Call out of the blue about an unexpected tax refund.
#SaferNeighborhoodsTogether
Source: NYPD
Gift Card Tax Scams
Sample message:
The [Agency Name] would like to provide you a quick reminder that gift cards are for gifts, not for making tax payments!
#SaferNeighborhoodsTogether
Source: Federal Trade Commission
Avoid Scams This Tax Season
Sample message:
With the tax season upon us, the [Agency Name] would like to remind taxpayers to be aware that criminals continue to make aggressive calls posing as IRS agents in hopes of stealing taxpayer money or personal information. Please protect yourself if you receive a call like this and HANG UP!
#SaferNeighborhoodsTogether
Source: Internal Revenue Service