How To Deal with IRS Scams - Simple Tips for the Average Consumer

Well, well, well...it's that time again. That time where most employee's clamor their respective employer service system to print out that oh so important W2. That time where HR Block, Jackson Hewitt, TurboTax bombard consumer emails with messages of mega tax returns from utilizing their services. The time where scammers - international & domestic - prepare their lines and systems to defraud millions of consumers of their returns. Yes, I'm talking about tax season! According to the Federal Trade Commission, over 89,000 American consumers filed complaints related to tax fraud last year. Over 50% of that 89,000 were elderly citizens. Now, you may be asking yourself, why do folks fall for the same fraudulent practices over & over? Doesn't the media warn consumers of fraud every year? Unfortunately, my answer to you is, "it's not that easy. These scammers grow increasingly intelligent and implement strategic practices that most folks aren't prepared for". That's where I come in. One of the main functions - if not THE main function of a Notary - is to deter fraud in the world of legal documents. That same practice can also apply to finance and consumer protections. You may be asking yourself, ok, what do I to ensure I don't fall a victim to these age old scams? Well, you've come to the right place. Here at OLUWUTOBI NOTARY SERVICES, we aim to provide pristine consumer education & awareness to all of clients and partners.

Here are some simple, yet effective tips to avoid & deter scammers from acquiring funds from YOUR estate:

1. Do not give any personal/tax information over the phone! The IRS will NEVER request a tax payment over the phone! If anyone suspicious requests for any information, kindly inform the person that you'll call back later - and hang up (or have some fun with them if you want - but I advocate for the former!) Don't be fooled by their angry tone of voice. That is just a technique they use to scare their target into giving their information. Most of these phone scams are mostly targeted towards the elderly.
2. Do not click on any email/text link you do not know! See a link in your email or text messages requesting money for alleged owed taxes? DO NOT OPEN IT! Simply delete the message. These type of scams are known as phishing, and can be very damaging not only to your device, but to your identity. Scammers use phishing links to basically take over your life. Once you open that suspicious link, you've instantly given scammers full access to your personal information. Just delete the link.
3. Be on the lookout for emails claiming legal action against you! You may have come across an email from a specific government agency, that claims they have filed a criminal investigation against you, and provides a phone number for you to call to resolve the alleged debt. Once again, these emails are just a luring scam to get you to call the number. Do not call the number or reply to the email under any circumstance. Scammers can access your device when you do so! Simply delete the email completely - that includes removing it from your trash folders as well.
4. File your taxes as early as possible. This seems like a simple one, yet a lot of consumers wait until the very last minute to get it done. If you do not have a business, stocks, own real estate/commercial properties, file your taxes immediately! Get that W2 and 1095C and head to a tax professional - or file it yourself, if you know how. The more you wait, the more time you're giving scammers to potentially file your taxes fraudulently.
5. Monitor your online accounts. Things such as stock accounts, social media (yes social media), government employee account (for those in the public service sector), online banking can be susceptible to online hackers. Periodically change your passwords at least EVERY MONTH. Keep tabs on any suspicious log-in's and notifications, especially on accounts that hold your SSN or bank information.

For more tips on avoiding tax scams & all other forms of scams, visit the following links for important information:

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scams-consumer-alerts

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/fraud/

Until next time, my fellow consumer...stay safe & stay alert!

God bless you!