In 2018, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection received 536 IRS scam complaints. This year, it already received 15 complaints.
Since 2013, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) already received reports of about 736,000 scam contacts. Almost 4,550 victims collectively paid over $23 million as a result of the scam, according to the IRS.
Tips to prevent becoming a victim of scam
It is important that taxpayers are aware of these scammers and know how to prevent themselves from becoming victims. Below are some valuable tips from the Attorney General’s office:
- Use security software that updates automatically. Essential tools for keeping a secure computer include a firewall, virus and malware protection, and file encryption for sensitive data.
- Treat personal information like cash; don’t leave it lying around.
- Give personal information only over encrypted and trusted websites.
- Use strong passwords and protect them.
Additionally, Shapiro also encouraged taxpayers “to be wary of pursuing tax refund anticipation checks.” Companies offering quick, easy money are “charging high interest rates and exorbitant fees” on the full refund earned by the taxpayer.
