Tax season is still a few weeks away, but phishers and con artists steal from us taxpayers year-round.
The Minnesota Department of Revenue this week alerted Minnesotans about a recent phone campaign by thieves masquerading as IRS officials. Beware of calls claiming that the IRS is suing you or taking other legal action, the agency warns. That’s simply not the way the IRS works. Scammers will leave voice mail messages as well as live calls.
“Phishing” is a scheme designed to deceive people into giving away sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers or banking data. Criminals can reach into bank accounts, set up credit cards and even collect refunds from false tax returns once they have a victim’s name and enough personal info.
Phishers also use emails to dupe their victims.
Check out this IRS Web site for more information on phishers and scammers: https://www.irs.gov/uac/IRS-Urges-Public-to-Stay-Alert-for-Scam-Phone-Calls
Minnesota Revenue also offers free fraud alerts and email addresses for reporting suspicious calls at http://www.revenue.state.mn.us/use_of_information/Pages/fraud_alerts.aspx.
Identity theft still is a threat, both in and out of tax season!