Tax season is like hunting season for con artists. Between the fear of making a mistake on your taxes, and the increased sophistication of scammers, opportunities are endless for bad actors looking to line their pockets during tax season, according to a news release from Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge.
Each year, many scammers pose as agents with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by sending emails with fake tax bills and transcripts to Arkansans.
The malicious emails often include an attachment that is not a document from the IRS, but instead infectious malware. The email may even threaten arrest if payment is not received immediately using a gift card, prepaid debt card or wire transfer, according to the release.
“No matter how convincing an email from an IRS employee may seem, even using your name and home address, no government entity will ever ask for payment from an untraceable source,” Rutledge said. “This is just another shameful attempt at playing with Arkansans’ emotions and stealing their hard-earned money.”
The increase in data breaches has given criminals more access to sensitive information than ever before, helping make their schemes more believable, according to the release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Rutledge issued the following tips for anyone who receives an email from someone claiming to be from the IRS:
• Do not reply to the email.
• Do not click on any links.
• Delete the original email.
• Consumers who receive this scam via email should forward it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
For details and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office at 800-482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or Facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.