OPINION: 'Tis the season for scammer targeting taxpayers

It’s the start of tax season and while the Internal Revenue Service may have the right to some of your money, scammers do not.

Nor do you want them gaining access to your identity, and that’s why the Better Business Bureau is warning of imposter scams that are targeting people across the country right now.

The BBB says it is getting reports about bogus tax collectors who are using legitimate-sounding names and trying to scare people by telling them they owe back taxes and must act quickly.

Some of the names being used include “American Tax Consultants,” “US Tax Relief,” “Tax Relief Group” and “Tax Resolution Oversight Department,” among others. 

While there are legitimate companies that have similar names and do prepare taxes, “the scam operations are not affiliated with those businesses and may be falsely using their names as imposters,” the BBB says.

The messages, which come via unsolicited voicemail messages or calls, say the taxpayer’s file has been flagged or that they missed a deadline. They say there’s a new government or IRS relief program that’s available, but only for a limited time and fast action is needed “to avoid further consequences.”

Keep in mind that the IRS will first send a mailed letter about any unpaid taxes before attempting contact by phone, email or text. “Any demand for immediate payment or threats of arrest, lawsuits or license suspensions are major red flags,” the BBB says.

And here’s another tax-related scam to be aware of: Texts or emails regarding a tax refund could be a scheme to get your personal information and any money in your refund.

These messages will claim to be from the IRS or the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, saying they have processed or approved your refund, but you must first click a link to enter details. And this is the part where they ask you to enter your Social Security or bank account numbers.

Don’t fall for it.

Use caution if coupons are too good to be true

Remember this: “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.” This longtime advice when it comes to scam protection applies to fake coupons that people are finding on social media or in their inboxes.

Using official brand logos, the counterfeit offers include discounts that are sometimes as high as 80% off. You’re supposed to click on a link and make a purchase using a promo code.

The order’s supposed tracking number might even say that the package was delivered, even though it never arrived. When you try to contact the company, you learn that its website no longer exists or no one responds to your emails or calls.

To avoid this, use caution if a coupon doesn’t come from a specific store or manufacturer, or a recognized coupon distributor, the BBB advises.

Check it out by visiting the company’s website directly to see if the coupon is listed or by contacting their customer service line.

And think hard if a coupon offers so much of a discount that it means the item is priced in a suspicious way.

Contact Ellen Marks at emarks@abqjournal.com if you are aware of what sounds like a scam. To report a scam to law enforcement, contact the New Mexico Consumer Protection Division at 505-490-4060. Complaints can be filed electronically at nmag.gov/contact-us/file-a-complaint/.