The IRS is warning taxpayers to guard against tax fraud and other related financial scams related to COVID. The IRS, has seen an increase in scams, especially in attempts to steal personal information and money. Scams have been including but not limited to stealing EIP’s from taxpayers, fake at-home test kits, fake cures, vaccines, pills, and advice on unproven treatments of COVID.
Other scams include selling medical supplies through fake online shops, websites, social media accounts, and email addresses. Don Fort, Chief of the IRS Criminal Investigation Team, says that this is a global problem that needs a global solution.
“We are working hand in hand with J5 partners on those COVID-19 cases that cross borders. There truly is no place for criminals to hide.”
Some scams have involved setting up fake charities soliciting donations for individuals, groups, and areas affected by the disease. There have also been phishing schemes as well. Phishing schemes are using keywords in varying ways to get personally identifying information or financial account information.
If you have fallen victim to a scam, or know someone who has, report coronavirus-related scams to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (or NCDF) hotline at 1-866-720-5721. There is also a complaint form on the NCDF website. You can report tax fraud to the Treasury Inspector General, and report phishing attempts to the IRS. Learn more at IRS.gov.
