Seniors are you aware of this tax audit scam?

Question

I am putting this into seniors because sadly seniors represent the largest number of vicitims who fall for scams. Are you safe from tax scams? 

Last year we saw no end to online tax scam horror stories. People received frightening emails from phishers posing as the IRS or Revenue Canada  and threatening an audit; they were sent to fake IRS/Revenue Canada web sites to "confirm" their bank information; and they were told they could receive their 2008 economic stimulus payment if they just handed over a few crucial personal details. This year we've heard relatively little about new online scams, which is great—but don't relax just yet. 

If you're filing your taxes online, be extra careful that you're using a service that the IRS has investigated and approved. Go to www.irs.gov for a list of recommended services. File from your home computer, and make sure your home network firewall is updated and secure. 

And if you prefer to submit via the U.S. postal service (or an overnight delivery service for you laggards), make sure you drop your envelope in a secured drop box, preferably at the post office. What you don't want to do is leave it in your mailbox at the end of your driveway where an identity thief can get at it easily. 

If you do happen to come across an email, letter, or phone call that purports to be from the IRS but seems suspicious, remember that you can always check IRS.gov and click on the link to "Information About Phishing and e-mail Scams" to see if anybody has reported anything. 

Were you aware of this?  

http://cdn.rsys1.net/ig.rsys1.net/responsysimages/tne/__RS_CP__/trendsetter_march09_scams.html

eptxldy · Accepted Answer

Please also be aware that the IRS NEVER contacts taxpayers by e-mail or phone.  ANY e-mail contact purportedly from the IRS is a scam.

Anonymous · Answer

Interesting. Now that I've had time to think about this, there was a call made to my mom's phone # just days after my dad passed. Something about her filling out some kind of research poll about seniors with diabetes. Neither mom or dad had any kind of diabetes, and we couldn't figure out where this call came from. We gave no information to the caller, and just hung up. Mom doesn't have caller ID, so she wouldn't know if that same number called again, but she knows not to answer any questions from an unsolicited caller over the phone. She is also on the do not call listing, but I don't know if she has had any further calls about this. I will discuss this with her tomorrow, and see about getting her caller ID.

Anonymous · Answer

I am suspect of any email requesting personal info. I do not arbitrarily answer. I check it out thoroughly. I have never sent in any personal info via email.

Most emails requesting personal info unsolicited is Phishing. Report as a scam or delete. Never-ever send in or click on links to give personal info.

I am Sunshine · Answer

Because of the evil cleverness of some individuals, I do NO financial 
transactions on the computer. I use it to teach me,for email and to have fun.

Anonymous · Answer

Ask yourself how did IRS get my email address in the first place?  I got several of these in my junk mail folder.

Anonymous · Answer

I have a feeling the democrats dont have to worry because they never pay taxes

kayboff · Answer

I appreciate this good information! Thank you!

Anonymous · Answer

yes!!! but tks for the posting!!!!

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Seniors are you aware of this tax audit scam?

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