Don’t Talk to Strangers!
(New IRS Scam)
The IRS just published this new story about a new scam happening. Be careful of strangers offering help.
Now, people call you, pretending to work for the IRS. They offer the “service” of helping you set up your IRS online account. They tell you that it will help make it easier for the IRS to process your tax return, so you may receive a refund faster.
In reality, what they want to do is steal your identity. Then they will file fake tax returns with your identity, arranging huge refunds for themselves. But afterward, the IRS thought it was you who filed the false tax return. Therefore, the IRS pursues collection of that refund back from you.
Be Careful!
If you share any kind of sensitive information like your name, address, Social Security Number, and date of birth, make certain that it is with a professional with whom you already have a relationship.
Firms like Tax Law Offices regularly collect this sensitive information, in order to represent and help our clients with the IRS. Experienced tax lawyers will not collect any of this data until there is a signed Engagement Letter, for which you should always first receive a copy.
Also, always be sure to select a tax attorney with a solid reputation for “doing the right thing”. Reputation, good or bad, is earned over a long time. Reputation matters, especially when you trust your sensitive information to that professional.