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Home >> Don’t Fall for IRS Scams

Don’t Fall for IRS Scams

April 1, 2011 by Robert Kulas. Leave a Comment

‘Tis the season for IRS scams. Although scammers impersonate the IRS year-round, the frequency of these scams increases substantially during tax season. Most IRS scams are identity theft schemes, in which the scammer poses as the IRS to deceive victims into handing over personal information. The scammers’ goal is to access a victim’s financial information, such as bank account and credit card numbers, passwords, and PINS and social security numbers, for purposes of stealing financial accounts. When it comes to avoiding these scams, the IRS has some recommendations:

Recognizing a Scam

It can be hard to recognize a scam when you’re faced with one. Most commonly, IRS scams happen via email, and they can be sophisticated. Here are some signs to be aware of:

  • A request for personal information such as your mother’s maiden name, a bank account or PIN number
  • An offer of an incentive in exchange for providing information, like a faster tax refund or payment for taking a survey
  • A threat of a penalty,  an increased tax bill, or other trouble if you fail to respond with the requested information
  • An email containing a link to a Web site that does not actually belong to the IRS. The real IRS web address is http://irs.gov 
  • Errors in spelling or grammar within the email

The Refund Scam

One of the most common IRS scams is the “refund scam,” with which an identity thief tries to steal your personal information by sending you an email promising a tax refund if you’ll fill out a claim form. The claim form is either attached to the email or the email contains a link to the form. Of course, the form requests your personal financial information, which is then stolen.

In recognizing this request as a scam, it’s important to understand that the IRS doesn’t require taxpayers to complete an additional claim form in order to receive a tax refund. If you’re due a refund, it will be sent to you as a result of your filing the appropriate income tax return; there’s no additional paperwork required.

What to Do

So, what should you do if you receive an email that you suspect is an IRS scam?

First, don’t open any attachments. They can contain malware, a malicious program that can infect your computer.

Second, don’t click on any links within the body of the email. A link could contain malware, or it could take you to a false but convincing website designed to get you to provide your personal financial information.

Third, instead of responding to the email, check with the actual IRS. Go to www.irs.gov and access the Where’s My Refund? tool. This will let verify whether you’re due a refund and when you can expect it.

Finally, report the scam to the IRS by forwarding the email to phishing@irs.gov. After you’ve done this, delete the email from your account.

Filed Under: Taxes Tagged With: scams, Taxes

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"Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family."

Janice M
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Robert Kulas and staff made making a will an easy to understand process. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to my wishes. All my documents were provided in an organized binder which will be a great asset to my family. I would definitely recommend them.

Krissy L.
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I have worked with Mr. Kulas & staff before. And they are very professional. I am very satisfied with Mr. Kulas and his staff and give them the highest satisfaction and 5 star rating.

Leo C.
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Mr. Kulas and his staff have been extremely helpful & knowledgeable for the over 3 years we have been associated. They are easy to talk to and explain everything without feeling rushed. Very competent and professional.

Mildred W.
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August 25, 2020
    

I have known Robert Kulas for 20 years since I was co-executor for friends who had Mr. Kulas prepare a Trust for them. When I felt I needed a trust also, I came to him. I have always been completed satisfied with his work and that of his charming, competent staff.

Joan C.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

We began our estate plan process in 2004 (12 years ago) and have been pleased with the periodic reviews we have gone through and when changes have been needed the firm has been thorough and professional in making those changes.

L.G.K.
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