LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Taxes can be confusing, but beware the offers of assistance found online.
One scam that made the IRS’ annual dirty dozen list involves swindlers pretending to be legitimate tax preparers. They may offer to help create an online account – but be warned – they are looking to steal personal information.
They also may file a return in the victim’s name and snatch the refund.
Another scary tax-time scam involves so called, “ghost preparers.”
They will take care of the return, but they won’t sign it, and the tax payer would have to file it themself.
These imposters often charge based on the size of the refund. The rarely have a legitimate preparer tax identification number. Sometimes, they’ll ask to sign a blank or or incomplete return.
The IRS says to not do this – it’s a con!
The agency advises always turning to a registered, reputable tax professional.
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