In the News -- Scammers Out to Steal Tax Refunds

Identity theft of information in tax returns and theft of tax refunds have exploded, according to the IRS, reported Brian New of CBS11-TV, Dallas - Fort Worth.

"Better Business Bureau reports more and more criminals are opening up storefronts just for the tax season," he said. "After April 15th, they’re usually gone along with your refund and personal information."

“The IRS advises that they’ll only be in touch with you by letter,” says Jeannette Kopko, BBB serving Dallas and Northeast Texas. “So if you get an email, a text message, social media, something like that, it’s not from the IRS.”

Here are some other tips to avoid becoming a victim:

• Never give out your financial information to any tax preparer without checking them out first.
• Never give out your date of birth or social security number to anyone unless you know how it will be used and protected.
• And consider filing early. That way if your ID is stolen, you can alert the IRS as soon as possible.

See the story above or go to: http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2013/03/11/i-team-beware-of-scammers-out-to-steal-your-tax-refund/

Check out tax preparers with BBB at www.bbb.org.

For answers to questions about federal income tax returns and tips on avoiding tax scams, visit www.irs.gov.

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