MOHAVE COUNTY – As tax season arrives, police are reminding residents to stay alert for tax related scams. Each year, scammers often pose as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to trick people into sending money or giving their personal information.
A local woman recently reported receiving a very realistic looking letter claiming to be from the IRS. The letter threatened that she could face arrest or fines if she did not complete missing steps in her tax filings. She was instructed to verify her identity by visiting a website, that also appeared to be legitimate, and create an account to upload her photo, driver’s license, identification documents and tax records. Fortunately, she recognized it was a scam and did not respond.
If someone creates urgency, demands immediate payment or asks for sensitive personal information, slow down and always verify the request before taking any action.
Common red flags of tax scams include:
- Demands for immediate payment or threats.
- Payment requests using gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.
- Requests for personal or financial information.
- Links directing you to “verify” personal or financial information.
If you receive a suspicious call or message, hang up and contact the IRS or your tax professional using a verified phone number. Suspicious tax related activity can also be reported at IRS.gov/SubmitATip.
The Police Department reminds community members to remain cautious when receiving calls, texts, emails, or letters that contain threats or claim that money is owed or that a prize has been won. Scammers often pressure victims to act quickly using fear or emotional manipulation. Before responding, take time to evaluate the situation. Never provide personal or bank account information or send money unless you initiated the contact. If someone claims to represent a government agency, family member, or company, contact the organization or individual directly using official channels to confirm their identity. When in doubt, hang up and call a number you know to be legitimate.
