During tax filing season, the money of hard-working Americans is moving around at a brisk pace. And where there is money, there are scammers and ne’er do-wells who want to cheat good folks out of it. Being the height of “scam season”, the IRS has provide the following information to educate tax payers as to the potential pitfalls - https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scams-consumer-alerts. This site lists many of the existing scams that are out there.

Some of the highlights are:

• The IRS will never initiate contact with taxpayers via email, text, or social media to request personal or financial information.

• Some scams involve phone calls where victims are called by people claiming to be the IRS and demanding money via gift card or money transfer. They may also claim to have a refund for the victim.

• Remember – Don’t be pressured into acting and always validate the source through other means.

• When a caller or email uses F.U.D. (fear, uncertainty, doubt), be extra wary.

• Phishing emails may request personal information associated with your tax return. These emails may appear to come from the IRS or your tax preparer.

• Remember, the IRS will not request information from you via email. Also, you should know your tax preparer well enough to pick up the phone and confirm the request.

• Remember to adhere to the phishing guidelines that we have reviewed in previous emails. If you have the slightest doubt or hesitation about an email or request, don’t click the embedded link or attachment. It’s simply not worth it. As always, please feel free to reach out to the NetAscendant Help Desk for assistance with questionable emails.