Tax Scams Striking Southeast
Internal Revenue Service officials are encouraging taxpayers to be on guard for people trying to persuade them to file false claims for tax credits or rebates.
The IRS said in a statement Thursday that officials have noticed an increase in scams related to tax returns.
IRS officials said elderly people and those who receive Social Security or other government benefits are primarily the ones being targeted by the scammers. Victims are led to believe they should file a return with the IRS for tax credits, refunds or rebates for which they are not really entitled.
Officials say the scams have been reported in 33 states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee. IRS authorities say that in the southeastern U.S., the scam appears to be most active in Alabama and Mississippi.
