More Warnings Against Tax Season Phishing and Phone Scams
A Columbia, SC resident is only the latest near-victim of the numerous phishing and phone scams that plague tax payers during tax season.
Harry Patel began receiving threatening phone calls from someone who claimed to be part of the IRS. The caller told Patel that they were going to arrest him for unpaid taxes, and that he had to pay within the hour.
“I said, ‘Taxes? I pay my taxes all the time. It’s paid and I have all the records,’” Patel said.
“Luckily I didn’t have a heart attack,” he continued. “I have high blood pressure, but I just picked up my bags and I just left. Got my wallet and ran out like someone’s chasing me.”
Patel immediately went to his accountant, who assured Patel that the calls were not real, and were in fact part of a national phone scam.
“And that time-sensitive offer usually makes people go ahead and do what they’re asking because they don’t want to get in trouble,” said Juliana Harris with the state Consumer Affairs Department.
Harris says her office receives 150 reports of phone scams per month.
“We just want people to kind of be weary around tax time,” said Harris. “If you’re getting emails or calls, it’s best to just hang up and not respond to them.”
Several email scams, known as phishing, have also been reported. Emails promoting fake charities or off-shore tax shelters to give the victim a tax break are common. The IRS has stated that, especially during tax season, any emails asking for personal information, especially social security numbers, should be reported.
Some phishing emails, like phone scams, use threats of imminent legal action to pressure potential victims into paying huge sums of money or disclosing credit card numbers, bank account information, or social security information.
Some phishing emails might ask victims to download an attachment with information about changes to the tax code. However, the download most likely contains malware that can harm your computer or steal personal information.
According to Consumer Affairs officials, South Carolina ranks 17th in the nation for identity theft complaints. In 2005, that rank was 36th.
“Whether it’s somebody who’s just looking for information to prevent and deter identity theft or if it’s for that person who believes they have been a victim or somebody has been subject to the security breach…they can contact us, and we can guide them through the process of mitigating the circumstances,” said Carri Grube Lybarker, the administrator for the Department of Consumer Affairs.
Identity Theft and Tax Season Fraud Can Hurt Your Future
If you have experienced identity theft, whether because of phishing emails or phone scams during tax season, you are not alone. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help clear your name and even reinstate your social security benefits. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case. Do not hesitate to contact us. 803.252.4800
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