{"id":121457,"date":"2023-03-06T11:59:55","date_gmt":"2023-03-06T16:59:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/?p=121457"},"modified":"2023-03-06T12:00:30","modified_gmt":"2023-03-06T17:00:30","slug":"attorney-general-offers-tips-to-prevent-tax-fraud","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/?p=121457","title":{"rendered":"Attorney general offers tips to prevent tax fraud"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With this year\u2019s tax season underway, New York Attorney General Letitia James is providing taxpayers with tips to help avoid fraudulent tax schemes. Attorney General James also urged New Yorkers to stay vigilant and report any suspected scams to steal personal and financial information to her office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTax season can be a stressful time of year, and the last thing any New Yorker needs is the added concern of dealing with scammers,\u201d James said. \u201cBad actors can use a wide range of deceptive tactics, including impersonating government officials and falsely claiming to file people\u2019s taxes to stealing money and personal information from unsuspecting New Yorkers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI encourage all filers to stay vigilant, follow the tips from my office, and contact us immediately if you believe you have been targeted or victimized by a scam.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Common scams that New Yorkers should be on the lookout for include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fraudsters who claim you owe past tax debts and insist that you pay using a prepaid credit card or gift card. Legitimate government officials and agencies do not seek to collect debts through these means;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Being told that your legitimate tax refund from the IRS was a mistake and therefore you must return it. If you owe money, you will receive a legitimate notice in writing that identifies the agency and the reason you owe money \u2013 not a phone call, email or text message;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fraudsters who make false promises of free tax preparation services, only to deceive people into paying for those services;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tax preparers who deceptively claim to get you your tax refund quicker, then charge you high interest rates and fees;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any unsolicited calls, text messages or emails asking for personal information or to verify financial account information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In her continued efforts to help New Yorkers file their tax return safely and avoid scams, James offers the following tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Legitimate government organizations will never threaten arrest or deportation for failure to pay a debt and will never insist that consumers pay a debt only via a prepaid credit card, gift card or wire transfer;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Only use established companies for tax-preparation services, and always review the entire tax return before signing it;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure that any offers you receive on \u201cfree\u201d tax preparation services are actually legitimate and free of charge, such as the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lnks.gd\/l\/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMDYuNzI3OTYzNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L2ZpbGluZy9mcmVlLWZpbGUtZG8teW91ci1mZWRlcmFsLXRheGVzLWZvci1mcmVlIn0.kgJdmCsfmEnY1hBYMx630aiW6rdBitSu_B2qLS0gfCg\/s\/1807814627\/br\/155644057858-l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IRS\u2019 Free Filing<\/a>&nbsp;program;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There are&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lnks.gd\/l\/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMDYuNzI3OTYzNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L2luZGl2aWR1YWxzL2ZyZWUtdGF4LXJldHVybi1wcmVwYXJhdGlvbi1mb3ItcXVhbGlmeWluZy10YXhwYXllcnMifQ.pO57uuSOwG_-MlQOjAU571baaIK3IqRllKcT-M5QP_Y\/s\/1807814627\/br\/155644057858-l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites<\/a>,&nbsp;where consumers can get their tax returns prepared free of charge; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If using a tax preparer, check the person\u2019s qualifications and history through the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lnks.gd\/l\/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMDYuNzI3OTYzNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iYmIub3JnLyJ9.RI1H95pvo-aDsF3t1DScaFDdCJjFqxx50fYORKltT6c\/s\/1807814627\/br\/155644057858-l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Better Business Bureau<\/a>. You should ensure that they sign the tax form and include their Preparer Tax Identification Number upon completion. Also ensure that you are given a statement of the tax services provided, and pay close attention to any extra fees or interests. For more information, consult&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lnks.gd\/l\/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMDYuNzI3OTYzNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50YXgubnkuZ292L3BkZi9wdWJsaWNhdGlvbnMvaW5jb21lL3B1YjEzNS5wZGYifQ.Zim3xqNTOM4y6Jhqmtjz27-pf6_5jZNYG4S8JXeWnZ4\/s\/1807814627\/br\/155644057858-l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New York\u2019s Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Any New Yorker suspecting they have been victim of a scam is encouraged to report it to the Office of the Attorney General by&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lnks.gd\/l\/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMDYuNzI3OTYzNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2Zvcm1zbnltLmFnLm55Lmdvdi9PQUdPbmxpbmVTdWJtaXNzaW9uRm9ybS9mYWNlcy9PQUdDRkNIb21lIn0.5kyXbOKt19x_51jHSCFYs7MZXCFGpO_4VH-ybtjpbzg\/s\/1807814627\/br\/155644057858-l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">submitting a complaint online<\/a>&nbsp;or calling 800.771.7755. Tax scams should also be reported to the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800.366.4484.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This action is the latest in Attorney General James\u2019 efforts to protect consumers from fraudulent tax schemes and practices. In May 2022,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lnks.gd\/l\/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMDYuNzI3OTYzNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2FnLm55Lmdvdi9wcmVzcy1yZWxlYXNlLzIwMjIvYXR0b3JuZXktZ2VuZXJhbC1qYW1lcy1zZWN1cmVzLTE0MS1taWxsaW9uLW1pbGxpb25zLWFtZXJpY2Fucy1kZWNlaXZlZC10dXJib3RheCJ9.Mbr7iyaYQ2Rp6lxfwmLsB1VFd3UghVVfuETZwwRujxg\/s\/1807814627\/br\/155644057858-l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">James secured $141 million for millions of Americans who were deceived by TurboTax<\/a>&nbsp;into paying for tax services that should have been free. Earlier last year in March 2022,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lnks.gd\/l\/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMDYuNzI3OTYzNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2FnLm55Lmdvdi9wcmVzcy1yZWxlYXNlLzIwMjIvdGF4cGF5ZXItbm90aWNlLWF0dG9ybmV5LWdlbmVyYWwtamFtZXMtcmVtaW5kcy1jcnlwdG8taW52ZXN0b3JzLXBheS10YXhlcy12aXJ0dWFsIn0.EmyxbWP8BxDkiUxglt21h30Pz8PB_wb52ZG36M8KM5A\/s\/1807814627\/br\/155644057858-l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">James issued a notice to ensure New York cryptocurrency investors<\/a>&nbsp;were informed about their tax obligations. In March 2021,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lnks.gd\/l\/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMDYuNzI3OTYzNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2FnLm55Lmdvdi9wcmVzcy1yZWxlYXNlLzIwMjEvYXR0b3JuZXktZ2VuZXJhbC1qYW1lcy1mdGMtc2h1dC1kb3duLW1hc3NpdmUtY2hhcml0eS1mcmF1ZC10ZWxlZnVuZGluZy1vcGVyYXRpb24ifQ.qDzy2qPJ2xuvf7Pz30lIyU8zJMj24NmCY-18kaulshI\/s\/1807814627\/br\/155644057858-l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">James shut down a deceptive telefunding charity<\/a>&nbsp;and ensured that future efforts to raise money would clearly inform New Yorkers that such donations are not tax deductible.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With this year\u2019s tax season underway, New York Attorney General Letitia James is providing taxpayers with tips to help avoid fraudulent tax schemes. Attorney General James also urged New Yorkers to stay vigilant and report any suspected scams to steal personal and financial information to her office. \u201cTax season can be a stressful time of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":98849,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[32,8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-121457","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-crime","category-top-story"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p43meu-vAZ","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Attorney-General-Letitia-James.jpg?fit=2832%2C4256&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/121457","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=121457"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/121457\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/98849"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=121457"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=121457"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=121457"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}