Atlanta Residents: Stay Alert Against Tax Scams!
Hey there, Atlanta! As we dive deeper into the holiday season and watch the temperatures dip, it’s essential to prepare for something more serious than just winter clothing—tax season! With the IRS Criminal Investigation Atlanta Field Office ramping up their efforts during International Fraud Awareness Week (November 17-23), it’s time to shed light on how to protect yourself from some sneaky scams. Let’s get into it!
Why This Matters Now
If you’re thinking about filing taxes when January rolls around, hold your horses! Now is actually the best time for you to start doing some homework on choosing a reputable tax preparer. As you dig deeper into this, remember there are a few bad apples out there. Some unscrupulous folks might take advantage of unsuspecting taxpayers, and we don’t want that to happen to you!
Demetrius Hardeman, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI Atlanta Field Office, reminded us that scam artists are pulling out all the stops to deceive you. “There are numerous schemes criminals are using to defraud and separate unsuspecting Americans from their hard-earned money,” he stated. While law enforcement is actively hunting down these scammers, it’s always best to stay one step ahead!
Choosing Your Tax Preparer Wisely
So, what should you look for? First and foremost, steer clear of those fly-by-night operations. Hardeman emphasizes the importance of engaging with tax preparers who are in business year-round. Why? Well, think about it: if you have questions after tax season ends, you’ll want someone who’s around to help you out!
To ensure you’re picking a legit professional, the IRS website offers some fantastic resources. You can check it out here. Remember, getting help from a shady character can lead to all sorts of headaches down the road!
Watch Out for Cryptocurrency Scams
When these victims attempt to cash out, the criminals seize their funds, leaving them high and dry. Can you imagine losing your hard-earned money this way? It’s heartbreaking, and the crimes are on the rise. Just this past September, an indictment revealed a couple of individuals allegedly involved in stealing and laundering over $230 million in cryptocurrency. Talk about eye-popping numbers!
Red Flags to Watch For
As we edge closer to tax season and continue navigating the digital currency landscape, it’s crucial to stay aware of the red flags. IRS-CI encourages everyone to report any known fraud cases to help keep our community safe. If you suspect something’s off, give them a shout on their website or via their email at atlantafieldoffice@ci.irs.gov.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, Atlanta! With both tax season and the potential for online scams looming on the horizon, staying proactive is key. Do your research, be vigilant, and let’s keep our hard-earned money where it belongs — in our pockets!
Stay safe, and happy holidays!
