NEWS
BBB warns against tax scams
Tax scams are often as predictable as taxes themselves; they reappear each tax season with a slightly different spin, but the central theme is scammers posing as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) trying to trick people into paying up or sharing personal information. Here are a few of the most common tax scams and red flags to watch out for:
IRS or CRA impersonation scams
These tax scams may start with a phone call and take two primary forms. In the first version, the IRS “agent” says you owe back taxes and pressures you into paying with a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. If you don’t comply, the scammer threatens you with arrest and fines.
In the other version, scammers claim they are issuing tax refunds and ask you for personal information to send your refund. This information can later be used for identity theft. Scammers also use this approach to target college students by claiming a “federal student tax” has not been paid.
These impostors often go to great lengths to appear real. The scammer may give a fake badge number and name. If it’s a phone scam, your Caller ID may show that the call is coming from Washington, D.C. Con artists sometimes follow up scam calls with an email that uses the IRS logo, colors, and official-sounding language. Often, these scams start with a serious and official-sounding “robocall” recording.
Scammers typically try to push you into action before you have time to think. The IRS will allow you to ask questions or appeal what you owe. Also, their first contact with you will always be by mail, not by phone or email.
Scammers may also demand that payment be made by wire transfer, prepaid debit card, or other non-traditional payment methods because these methods are mainly untraceable and non-reversible. The real IRS and CRA will never demand immediate payment, require a specific form of payment, or ask for a credit card or debit card number over the phone.
The real IRS may call you about outstanding debts after reaching out through a letter in the mail. See BBB’s tips on IRS calls to tell if the IRS is calling or if you are talking to a scammer.
Tax identity theft scams
Another tax scam to look out for is tax identity theft. This occurs when a scammer uses your government-issued identity number (Social Security number in the U.S. or Social Insurance number in Canada) to file a tax return in your name and collect your refund. It can also be someone using your information to get a job. Consumers don’t usually realize they have been victims of tax identity theft until they get a written notice from the IRS or CRA saying that more than one tax return was filed or they were paid by an employer they don’t know. Learn more about tax ID theft scams.
Email phishing scams
These emails appear to be from the IRS and include a link to a bogus website intended to mirror the official IRS website. These emails state, “You are to update your IRS e-file immediately.” The emails sometimes mention USA.gov and IRSgov (without a dot between “IRS” and “gov”). Don’t get scammed. These emails are not from the IRS.
In a recent BBB Scam Tracker report, a consumer shared an example of a tax email phishing scam. “Received an email telling me that after annual calculations of my fiscal activity I was eligible to receive a tax return of $976.00. At the bottom it recommended using a prepaid card because sending funds does not support this card. Within the email was a link for a Tax Return Form.”
Mailing scams
The IRS warned taxpayers of a new mailing scam that tricks victims into believing they are owed a tax refund. In this scam, taxpayers receive a cardboard envelope from a delivery service, which includes a fake letter from the “IRS” about an unclaimed refund and asks for personal and financial information that scammers could use.
Tips to avoid tax scams
- The best way to avoid tax identity theft is to file your taxes as early as possible. File before a scammer can use your information to file a fake return.
- In the U.S., jot down your Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS before you file your return. This is a six-digit number confirming your identity and your Social Security number. It is important to note that you cannot opt out once you get an IP PIN. So, once you apply, you must provide the IP Pin each year when you file your federal tax returns. The IRS will provide your IP PIN online and then send you a new IP PIN each December by postal mail. Visit the IRS for more information about the program. Read BBB’s tips about the IRS PIN.
- Remember that the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text message or social media to request personal or financial information. This includes requests for PIN numbers, passwords or similar access information for credit cards, banks, or other financial accounts.
- Watch for bad grammar and odd punctuation when reading emails and letters claiming to be from the IRS or CRA. If you read awkward or poorly worded sentences, weird capitalization and grammar, or other inaccuracies, this is a sign that the email or letter may be a scam.
- Only deal with trustworthy tax professionals and tax preparation services. For many people, significant life changes, business ownership, or simply a lack of knowledge about the ever-changing tax laws make finding a trustworthy tax preparer a good idea. That said, not all tax preparers have the same level of experience and training. See our tips for finding the right tax preparer for you and always look for the BBB Seal – it’s The Sign of a Better BusinessSM!
- Check out websites carefully and ensure you access the real IRS website when filing your taxes electronically or inquiring for additional information.
- When in doubt, contact the IRS to confirm any contact you receive is legitimate. If you’re unsure whether you’re talking with a scammer, stop communication with the individual and contact the IRS independently. Tell them what the individual has claimed and is asking for, and they should be able to confirm whether you’re talking with the real IRS, CRA, or a scammer.
- If you are the victim of tax identity theft in the U.S., contact the IRS at 1-800-908-4490. You should also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP. The FTC also offers a personalized identity theft recovery plan at identitytheft.gov.
- If you get tax information delivered electronically from your employer or other entity, treat that information carefully. Download it onto a password-protected computer.
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced that he directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate additional state emergency response resources in anticipation of extremely critical wildfire danger expected across West Texas and ongoing elevated-to-critical fire weather conditions across most of the state into the weekend.
“The State of Texas continues to monitor the heightened wildfire threats that are impacting large portions of the state,” said Governor Abbott. “Due to the unpredictable nature of wildfires, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to ready additional emergency response resources to assist local communities with any wildfire outbreaks. With dry conditions, wind gusts, and low humidity increasing wildfire danger, Texans are encouraged to make an emergency plan, limit any activities that can cause a spark, and heed the guidance of local officials to keep yourself and your family safe.”
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, dry surface fuels, very strong wind gusts, and low humidity will continue to support increased wildfire danger across nearly all of the state, with extremely critical wildfire danger expected in areas including the High Plains, South Plains, Permian Basin, Big Country, Texoma, Metroplex, and Hill Country. High winds could promote large wind-driven fires with high resistance to control.
The Texas A&M Forest Service is monitoring conditions for the potential of a Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreak tomorrow, a dangerous fire weather pattern that could develop under the current forecast. According to the National Weather Service, increased wildfire danger is expected to continue over the next several days.
The Wildland Fire Preparedness Level remains at Preparedness Level 3, indicating that wildfire activity is impacting several regions of the state as the result of drought, dry vegetation, or frequent fire weather events.
The Texas State Emergency Operations Center (SOC) remains activated at Level II (Escalated Response) as the state stands ready to support local officials’ response to wildfire danger. At the Governor’s direction, more than 750 state emergency responders and over 300 pieces of equipment have mobilized from more than 16 state agencies to support the state’s wildfire response across Texas.
The following state emergency response resources continue to remain ready to support local wildfire response operations, including:
- Texas A&M Forest Service (Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System): Local, state, and out of state firefighters and support personnel, fire engines, bulldozers, and motor graders; federally contracted firefighting aircraft, including large air tankers, single-engine air tankers for retardant drops, air attack platforms for surveillance and spotting, super scoopers for water drops, helicopters with firefighting capability, fire bosses and an aerial supervision module for aerial guidance
- Texas Division of Emergency Management: The State of Texas Incident Management Team to support deployed emergency response resources across the state
- Texas National Guard: Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters with firefighting capability
- Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Wildland Fire Support Packages consisting of medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles
- Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers to patrol roadways and assist stranded motorists
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, State Park Police
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2): Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue Teams
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents as well as AgriLife Extension Agents to support agricultural and livestock needs
- Texas Animal Health Commission: Coordinating animal resource needs
- Texas Department of Agriculture: Coordinating agricultural resource needs
- Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions
- Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers
- Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring
- Texas Health and Human Services Commission: Personnel to provide information on available services through the 2-1-1 Texas Information Referral Network
- Texas Department of Information Resources: Monitoring technology infrastructure
Texans are urged to implement wildfire prevention measures, including avoiding activities that may cause sparks or flames, making an emergency plan, follow instructions from local officials, and keeping emergency supplies easily available.
Texans can visit TexasReady.gov for wildfire prevention information, locate all-hazards preparedness information at tdem.texas.gov/prepare and find the latest wildfire information at tfsweb.tamu.edu.
Governor Abbott continues to take action to provide all available resources to help support local communities and protect Texans from wildfire impacts, including:
- Encouraging Texans impacted by wildfire to report damage by using TDEM’s online damage reporting tool.
- Increasing the Readiness Level of the State Emergency Operations Center and adding counties to the state’s wildfire disaster declaration.
- Deploying additional state emergency response resources ahead of extremely critical wildfire danger.
- Activating state wildfire response resources ahead of wildfire danger.
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Bowie City Councilors approved the first reading of an ordinance for new water rates Tuesday night, following months of debate over first rate change for water since 2018.
The residential customer in the city limits uses on average 2,000 to 3,000 gallons of water per month, and under the new rates will see an increase from $5 to $7.50 a month. This water rate proposal was different from the previous offerings as it adjusted usage, not the base rate or adding any new fees.
This approval came on the heels of a workshop on March 4 where the council members learned more about pending infrastructure needs at the water plant including a new raw water pump and upgrades to the plant as it nears 85% capacity.
Public Works Director Stony Lowrance and Plant Director Jerry Sutton last week told the council the pump is already a mandate from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and has to be done; however, the plant is operating at about 80% capacity. When it hits 85% the city will have to undertaken plans to expand to meet the larger capacity.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
Barbara Cundiff succumbed to critical injuries she received when her home near Bonita exploded and burned on Feb. 22.
Montague County Sheriff Marshall Thomas said he was informed of the 75-year-old’s passing on Feb. 28. Barbara and Donald Cundiff lived in a beautiful home located at 4200 Farm-to-Market Road 1815 east of Nocona.
It was believed a possible propane explosion was the cause of the fire on Feb. 21. Donald was in the living room when he heard an explosion that blew out the back of the house. He found his wife laying in the kitchen and he was able to drag her out of the house.
A helicopter was called to the scene to transport Barbara to Parkland Hospital where she was treated for her injuries. Donald was transported to Nocona General Hospital where he was treated and released for burns on his face, hands and arms.
Bowie Fire Chief Doug Page has been investigating the fire examining the scene and interviewing witnesses at the scene. Officials from the Texas Railroad Commission also were called in to investigate possible propane leaks, and they await that report.
Page said no final determination of the cause has been made, although it appears to have been an accident. SO Investigator Ryan Blackburn stated the same indicating he still has some work to do on the case.
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