Senior Care Alert – A New Tax Scam Warning From The IRS

Tax Scam Warning: Beware of Phony Refund Scheme Abusing Popular College Tax Credit; Senior Citizens, Working Families and Church Members Are Targets The IRS has issued a warning about a new type of tax scam that targets the elderly, among others. The announcement, dated 3/2/12, outlines a scheme in which con artists contact persons with low or no income and tell them that they are entitled to receive refunds from the IRS for programs that provide educational tax credits. To avoid becoming ensnared in this scheme, the IRS says taxpayers should beware of any of the following information. We recommend those needing in-home care in San Diego County be aware of these suggestions and watch out for these points: * Fictitious claims for refunds or rebates based on false statements of entitlement to tax credits. * Unfamiliar for-profit tax services selling refund and credit schemes to the membership of local churches. * Internet solicitations that direct individuals to toll-free numbers and then solicit social security numbers. * Homemade flyers and brochures implying credits or refunds are available without proof of eligibility. * Offers of free money with no documentation required. Promises of refunds for “Low Income – No Documents Tax Returns.” * Claims for the expired Economic Recovery Credit Program or for economic stimulus payments. * Unsolicited offers to prepare a return and split the refund. * Unfamiliar return preparation firms soliciting business from cities outside of the normal business or commuting area.

The details are contained in a press release titled Tax Scam Warning: Beware of Phony Refund Scheme Abusing Popular College Tax Credit; Senior Citizens, Working Families and Church Members Are Targets