IRS issues new warning to taxpayers: Innocent Americans can become criminals overnight if they do so

The Internal Revenue Service issued a new warning to taxpayers on Friday about potential tax fraud during filing season. These scams can lead not only to financial loss, but also to criminal charges for innocent Americans who unwittingly engage in illegal activities.

According to a press release on the IRS website, the scammers encourage filers to falsify W-2 wages in order to file fake returns and claim a refund. The IRS warns that taxpayers who file false returns face fines and investigations.

This type of fraud is not new, but it remains a common and persistent problem during the tax season.

Another recent warning from the IRS concerns social media tax fraud.

The agency urges taxpayers to be vigilant and careful when interacting with social media posts that offer tax-related services or advice, as fraudsters can use social media to lure unsuspecting taxpayers into divulging personal information or making fraudulent payments.

The IRS advises taxpayers to be wary of any unsolicited communications, including emails, phone calls, and text messages. The agency also reminds taxpayers that it will never contact them via social media or solicit personal or financial information by phone or email.

While some tax frauds are easy to detect, others can be more subtle and difficult to detect.

One such scam, according to The Epoch Times, is to tempt innocent taxpayers to become criminals.

Fraudsters may offer to pay taxpayers to use their bank accounts to receive fraudulent tax refunds. The scammer then withdraws the money and gives some of it – or at least promises – to the taxpayer.

This type of fraud not only exposes innocent taxpayers to the risk of criminal prosecution, but also facilitates money laundering and other illegal activities.

The IRS advises taxpayers to be suspicious of any offer to receive payments or refunds from someone else’s bank account.

To protect themselves from tax fraud, taxpayers must be proactive and take steps to protect their personal and financial information, experts say. This includes using strong passwords, updating software, and using secure networks and websites when sending sensitive information.

In addition, taxpayers should regularly review their credit reports and check their bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity.

If taxpayers suspect they have been the victim of tax fraud, they should immediately contact the IRS and report the incident to the appropriate authorities.

Tax season can be a vulnerable time for taxpayers, and scammers are constantly coming up with new and creative ways to steal personal and financial information.

By remaining vigilant and taking proactive steps, taxpayers can reduce the risk of fraud and ensure safe and secure filing of tax returns.

It probably won’t be enough to make it enjoyable, but at least UNnicer than it could be.