ROCKFORD – This month marks the official start of the 2021 tax season. It’s an important day for taxpayers and equally important to tax identity thieves and IRS imposters. The Better Business Bureau says this a major issue and should be
top of mind for all taxpayers. With Impostor Scams running rampant, taxpayers and tax professionals are at risk for attempt fraud.
Tax identity theft occurs when someone uses a stolen Social Security Number to file a phony tax return and collect the refund. IRS imposters are scammers who pretend to be calling from the IRS. They can also send fake emails and texts in order to attempt to
steal information or spread malware to your computer. Dennis Horton, director of the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau says, “The imposters use a two-pronged attack. First, they’ll claim you owe back taxes and must pay up immediately. That’s the initial grab for your money. Second, they’ll need your SSN to help get this all cleared up. That’s the key to filing a false tax return; and beating you to your tax refund.” “More often than not the targets of tax identity theft or IRS impostors don’t find out they
are victims until they file their tax return and it’s rejected as a duplicate filing,” adds Horton.
In addition, there is an IRS warning out to Tax Preparation Professionals to be on the outlook for scammers trying to steal information. IR-2021-34 Taxpayers must be pro-active in filing their return and safeguarding their refunds.
The Better Business Bureau offers these tips:
• Protect your SSN throughout the year. Don’t give it out unless there’s a good
reason and you’re sure who you’re giving it to.
• Never respond to impostors who may send you text or emails pretending to be
the IRS or Treasury Department.
• Find trustworthy Tax Preparers by checking reviews and ratings at BBB.ORG
• File your tax return as early in the tax season as you can.
• Use a secure internet connection if you file electronically, or mail your tax return
directly from the post office.
• Research a tax preparer thoroughly before you hand over personal information.
Go to bbb.org
• Check your credit report at least once a year for free at annualcreditreport.com.
Make sure no one has opened a new account in your name.
Also new this year, the IRS Identity Protection PIN, all taxpayers can voluntarily opt into the IP PIN program by using the Get an IP PIN tool at IRS.gov/ippin. The six-digit IP PIN prevents identity thieves from filing a tax return with their Social Security number.
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