Thieves pulling IRS scams

Because of the fraud that goes on during tax filing season, state Rep. Brandon Phelps, asks people to keep a lookout for con artists acting like IRS agents.

"Many of our family and friends have been victims of identity theft in the past, and it's important that preventative steps are taken to avoid becoming a victim," Phelps said. "Scams are constantly evolving and have gotten pretty sophisticated so don't let your guard down or give sensitive information over the phone."

According to the IRS, the number of phone calls from scammers and con artists is on the rise. The most common scam involves a call saying the IRS is owed money and it must be paid promptly with a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. Turn the caller down and the victim can expect intimidation and possible threats of arrests and lawsuits.

Another common scam is supplying identity thieves with Social Security numbers, which allows them to file fraudulent returns for the refunds. Victims many times don't know they've been scammed until they file their own return.

Phelps' office warns to not give out a Social Security number over the phone, use security software on computers and not click on links or download attachments from suspicious emails.

The most important thing to remember is the IRS always sends taxpayers paper letters to make initial contact rather than sending e-mails or making phone calls. If a person receives email or a letter allegedly from the IRS that creates concern or worry, Phelps encourages people to bring the letter to his district office where his staff can determine if it is a legitimate.

For more information, people can visit the Federal Trade Commission's website at consumer.ftc.gov and click on "Scam Alerts."