Dreier Warns Taxpayers About Tax Season Scams

January 31, 2008

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA) today warned taxpayers to be on the lookout for tax season scams.  The Internal Revenue Service recently issued an alert cautioning taxpayers to beware of advance payment scams this tax season.  According to the IRS, the scams are being operated using phone calls and emails.  In addition to taking advantage of tax filing season, the scams are also seeking to exploit the pending nature of legislation that may issue rebates to millions of Americans.  Dreier said taxpayers need to stay vigilant and aware to avoid being victimized.

“Tax season is a trial for all Americans and the threat of scams can add to the stress,” Dreier said.  “Staying vigilant is key to avoiding falling prey to scam artists, and to maximizing your potential for a refund and/or rebate.  Legislation that would provide rebates is still under consideration in Congress.  It has not been finalized, so please don’t let anyone tell you what you will or will not be receiving from the federal government.  Stay informed, stay aware, and you will weather this tax season just fine.”

http://www.irs.gov.   The scams currently being perpetrated involve a “rebate phone call”, a “refund e-mail”, an “audit e-mail”, a “changes to tax law e-mail”, and a “paper check phone call”.  Most of these scams seek personal financial information, like bank account numbers, for the purposes of breaking into a person’s account and emptying it.  The specific details of the scams are available at www.irs.gov. If you receive an email or phone call that you believe is suspicious, report it immediately to the IRS via their website.  Also available at http://www.irs.gov is information regarding “How to Protect Yourself From Suspicious E-Mails or Phishing Schemes.” 

Congressman Dreier’s district office is also available for inquiries at 909-575-6226.