WILKES-BARRE — With the deadline looming to file tax returns, state Attorney General Josh Shapiro is urging Pennsylvanians to beware of scam artists looking to steal their money and financial information.
During tax season, identity theft cases increase as scammers use stolen information to file returns illegally and steal people’s refunds. Pennsylvanians in recent years have also reported being swindled out of money by fraudsters who falsely claim to be affiliated with the IRS via phone, text or email.
These scammers sound convincing when they call, using fake names and bogus titles to identify themselves as IRS agents. And they often alter caller IDs so they appear to be calling from the real IRS.
But it’s all just a trap.
“Pennsylvanians need to know: the IRS will never request your personal or financial information by phone, email or text,” AG Shapiro said. “If you get a call from someone claiming they’re from the IRS and demanding you send money — don’t respond. It’s a scam. Call my office. We’ll investigate and prosecute the scammers.”
Shapiro encouraged residents who believe they’ve been scammed to contact the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800-441-2555 or visit www.attorneygeneral.gov to file a complaint.
According to a press release, Fred Sauers, of Mechanicsburg, reported to the Bureau of Consumer Protection that scammers claiming to be from the IRS called his home nearly 10 times.
“They claimed I owed the IRS money — thousands of dollars, they told me,” Sauers said. “The IRS doesn’t call and claim you owe them money. Hang up or better yet, don’t even pick up. Call the Attorney General instead.”
Meanwhile, an older couple from a central Pennsylvania town was scammed recently into wiring $5,000 to criminals who called, said they were from the IRS and claimed the couple owed money.
“It’s important to note — there is no reason to feel embarrassed if you’ve been scammed,” Shapiro said. “This could happen to anyone. The scammers are criminals. Call us — we’re here to help you.”
Shapiro urged residents to consult with legitimate tax-return preparers if they need assistance in filing their returns. He also noted the Department of Revenue provides opportunities for qualifying taxpayers to file their returns for free.
