Cons, Frauds and Scams
Tax Scams
Tax time each year has con artists taking advantage of people
in a variety of ways. Some of the common fraudulent schemes
include:
- The con artists sell their "secrets" about how to avoid
filing or paying taxes.
- African-Americans are misled by people offering to file
for tax credits or refunds on their behalf as part of
reparation for slavery. There is no such provision for
slavery.
- Pay the tax, and then get the prize. A caller says
you've won a prize and all you have to do is pay the income
tax to collect the prize. Don't fall for this -- the IRS
will inform you if you need to pay taxes on a prize.
- Con artists claim that paying taxes is voluntary, and
they offer to sell you an "untax" package for only $49.95.
This is an old scam; paying taxes is not voluntary.
- An IRS agent comes to you home to collect. Do not let
anyone in your home without proper identification. IRS
agents, auditors, and collection officers carry IDs and will
normally try to contact you prior to their visit. Call the
police if you think the person at your door is an imposter.
Don't be fooled by these tax scheme con artists.
Mesa Police Department
PO Box 1466
Mesa, AZ 85211
480-644-2030