Tag: Alaska

Detect Tax Filing Frauds and Fakes

PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Adam Harkness, Alaska Public Relations Manager: 907-644-5202 | pr@thebbb.org
David Quinlan, Director of Public Relations: 206-676-4119

IS THERE REALLY A PROBLEM WITH THOSE TAXES?

Detect Tax Filing Frauds and Fakes

Anchorage, Alaska – April 15, 2013 – With the tax deadline looming, taxpayers need to prepare for unexpected emails and phone calls purporting last-minute issues with returns or refunds. Watch out for high urgency notices or key phrases like “incomplete filing” and “problem with your refund.”

Fraudsters are phishing for personal information, while unethical companies are attempting to upsell tax preparation services.

Consumers comply out of fear that refunds will be delayed or agree because they are short on time and don’t want to re-start their tax filings.

Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington encourages skepticism with unsolicited or unexpected “tax problem” notices and phone calls. Watch out for red flags:

–         Blocked or random phone numbers.

–         Unrecognizable senders with limited contact information in signature lines.

–         Blank “To” fields; “BCC” reaches mass-recipients.

–         Attachments and unfamiliar Web addresses.

–         Heavy foreign accents or poor grammar.

–         Threatening or aggressive tactics.

The Internal Revenue Service does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. If contacts are claiming to be from the IRS, the Department of Revenue or a tax preparation company, verify with those sources directly; only use official websites or trusted public directories—not contact information enclosed in emails or numbers on caller IDs. Report phishing and use irs.gov to track refunds.

For more tax phishing avoidance tips, visit bbb.org or attend Secure Your ID Day on April 20, 2013:akorww.bbb.org/secure-your-id.

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Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington: BBB’s mission is to advance marketplace trust. BBB is a neutral not-for-profit organization that helps consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. For more information on ethical business standards, BBB Accreditation, BBB Business Reviews, Charity Reviews, complaints, events and anti-fraud tips, contact BBB or visit bbb.org.