Tax season and migraines go together like peanut butter and jelly. First you have to figure out how to file. Do you initiate the DIY method, or hire a professional? Will a specific item trigger a red flag for the IRS and increase your chances of being audited? There’s something even scarier lurking out there this time of year: tax scammers. Find out what is going on, call the Michigan Private Investigators at Eye Spy today.
Tax Scammers And Fake IRS phone calls
These phony IRS calls are by far the most common method. You’ll receive a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS. These Tax Scammers will tell you that you haven’t paid your taxes, and that you could end up going to jail, tonight. They will demand that you pay them right away, or there will be a knock at your door from Uncle Sam.
They’ll tell you that you screwed up your last filing. They will make you believe that you are on the hook for thousands.
The truth, is that the IRS will never contact you over the phone. What’s more, they won’t demand that you pay on the spot. The government actually gives you an opportunity to appeal the amount you owe.
No matter how scared you are of the Government, the IRS will never ask you to pay your fines in gift cards over the phone. Yes, that’s seriously something criminals have done.
Phony IRS emails
These emails are pretty convincing, they even include an official looking IRS logo.
These emails also come with the added risk of malware if you download any files from them or click on any embedded links. If you get a random email from the IRS, it’s not from the IRS.
W2 Information Leak
This one specifically targets companies’ payroll and human resources departments. Criminals send an email impersonating a company’s CEO or other executive officer to that organization’s payroll or HR professionals asking for personal information about employees.
According to the IRS, which issued a warning about this scam in January, criminals will request items like employee names, Social Security numbers and income data. The scammers will then try to file fraudulent tax returns in order to receive refunds.
According to a report by Sophos’ Naked Security Blog, Snap, Inc. fell for this exact scam back in 2016.
Verifying tax information
Criminals will begin by asking victims to verify the last four digits of their Social Security numbers. They could also ask about items like your bank account information or your full Social Security number. Remember, the IRS won’t ask you for any such information over the phone.
Need Help?
Criminals are banking on your fear. Working day and night, stealing your personal information and hard earned cash. Do you need to find out who is behind this? The Detroit Michigan Private Investigators at Eye Spy Detective Agency can help you find out who these scammers are, and bring them to justice. Call Eye Spy today at 888-393-7799
