Tax fraud and tax scams are an unfortunate reality today. These activities usually heighten during tax season when people file taxes and receive refunds. Tax accountant Hal Surrat, CPA, has been serving the Archdale, NC, area for over 14 years. To protect his clients, he routinely warns them about the most common scams. Here, he discusses five of them in greater detail to help you stay aware and vigilant this season.

A Tax Accountant’s Guide to Fraudulent Activity

Electronic Federal Tax Payment System Scam

If you receive a call from an unknown number or one you don’t recognize, and the caller claims to be from the IRS, take caution. They will often advise you to skip discussing the call with your tax accountant and wire immediate payment instead on threat of arrest.

Robo-Call Messages

Be wary of mysterious voicemails from someone claiming to be from the IRS and asking you to call back. The IRS doesn’t typically call and leave messages. However, scammers do.  

Phishing Emails & Websites

A common tactic of hackers and scammers is to set up false websites and send emails as though they are from the IRS. Note that the IRS will never send communications regarding tax payments or returns via email. Never click on these links. 

Fake Charities

Sadly, false charities take money from well-meaning people. Before donating to a foundation, check whether it has a similar name to the one you intend to give to. Fraudulent charities often mimic the name of well-known organizations. Do some research to ensure you have the correct site before gifting funds.

Identity Theft

One of the most destructive personal invasions, identity theft is the practice of using a victim’s personal information to start credit cards, take out loans, and create fake pieces of identification. A solution is to hire a credit monitoring system which will notify you if any new accounts are started in your name. 

As a rule, use caution when spreading your personal information to unknown sources, and consult your tax accountant if you experience any of the aforementioned scams. Hal Surratt, CPA, provides reliable and accurate accounting and tax preparation services to both individuals and organizations. Call today at (336) 861-4024 to schedule an appointment, or visit the website to learn more about what they offer.