Special Agent in Charge for IRS Criminal Investigations for the IRS Denver Field Office Andy Tsui spoke to KGVO News this week on how to spot and avoid income tax fraud and scams.
“There are really two things to talk about here that affect most everyone in some way in filing your tax returns,” began Agent Tsui. “We always advise to do your research and select a reputable tax preparer. Some suggestions I have would be that making sure that the tax preparer goes over the tax return with you in detail, and also to explain the fees that are being charged in addition to the refund amount so that you know what you’re going to get and then match it up to what you actually receive.”
Tsui said those involved in tax fraud schemes will use every trick in the book to engage their victims.
“We do see an uptick in IRS related scams during filing season because the general public is interacting with the IRS in some degree,” he said. “And, it might be a little easier for the fraudsters to get something through there in that time so we do see an uptick in IRS impersonation type scams and other things related to either obtaining your personal information for identity theft purposes, or to try to intercept a tax refund or some kind of direct tax related fraud.”
Tsui said the IRS never uses social media or a threatening phone call to contact a taxpayer.
“If you’re seeing something online or even on social media before you take an actual step forward in providing information or…
