The Denver Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be aware of tax scams and unethical tax preparers.
The agency says people should be aware of any phishing email or phone calls that seem to be from the IRS or your bank.
The BBB says not to give out any personal information or click on the links. Instead, it recommends contacting the IRS or your bank directly if you receive such correspondence.
The agency also warned that unethical tax preparers have been known to skim part of their clients’ refunds, overcharge for services, and attract clients by making promises that are too good to be true.
According to the IRS, federal courts have issued hundreds of injunctions, ordering individuals to stop preparing returns, and the Department of Justice has pending complaints against dozens of others.
The BBB said to beware of anyone who pressures you to sign up for immediate payment of your refund that involves a high interest loan. Also beware of those who boast they can get larger refunds than their competitors or anyone who bases their fee on a percentage of the refund amount rather than the complexity of the tax return.
The BBB also recommends checking out tax preparers at
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
