Beware Of Tax Scams

April 15th is just a couple of months away and that means, tax scams are popping up everywhere.  News On 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright reports most tax scams come over the internet.  They look legitimate and sound convincing, but don't fall for them.

Everyone loves the idea of a tax refund, that's why the refund scam is so successful.

An e-mail either says a new calculation means you're getting an additional refund or they want you to apply for a new refund.  The e-mails are sent to individuals, businesses and charities.

The IRS will never notify you about a refund through e-mail and there is no separate refund form to fill out, it's all part of your normal tax return.

The Bogus Grant Scam is where someone claiming to be with the IRS calls and says because of your good credit and your timely filing, you qualify for a $10,000 grant that you don't have to pay back.  Of course, they need your bank account information in order to transfer the money to you.  It's just a blatant attempt to steal your money.

The Phony Tax Form Scam is where you receive in the mail a form that's called a W-9095 or W-8888 and it comes with a letter from a bank.  It says you need to fill out the form or you'll get fined the bank will withhold more than 30% of the interest you've earned.  The form requires all kinds of personal information, like passport and social security numbers as well as bank accounts and credit cards.

The IRS Investigation Scam might be the scariest for people to receive.  An e-mail says you've filed a false tax return and you must click on an attachment for details.  If you click on it, a trojan horse can take over your hard drive and allow the scammer to have access to everything on your computer.

If you're getting a refund or under investigation, the IRS won't e-mail you.  Hit delete and don't click on any attachments.

If you're still in doubt, take the form or e-mail to your bank or IRS office before you provide any information.