As the federal tax deadline approaches the Colorado Attorney General’s Office urges the public to be aware of scams and fraud related to taxes and tax filings.
“Whether you’ve already filed, you’re planning to file early, or you’re waiting until the deadline on April 18, Colorado taxpayers need to be on the lookout for scams at tax time,” Attorney General Phil Weiser stated in a news release. “Colorado usually sees an uptick in tax-related fraud complaints during the tax season. If you believe you are being scammed, simply hang up the phone or delete the email and be sure to do your homework to ensure you’re choosing a competent tax preparer.”
Most tax scams involve a perpetrator who impersonates a government official, a guise typically involving a phone call, email or letter, seeking personal information or records.
“Fraudsters use several tactics to get people to cooperate, including threatening arrest or other legal action if the person doesn’t comply with the scammer’s demands,” the release said. “Coloradans should know that local, state and federal government agencies will never ask consumers for personal information, or to send money or remit payments via a wire transfer or prepaid gift card.”
Taxpayers are urged to never click on any links or download any attachments in suspicious emails or texts. Authorities advise people to hang up on suspicious phone calls, and then reach out directly to an agency by phone or on an official website and report the incident.
Coloradans are also urged to be alert for criminals who misrepresent tax preparers during the busy season. People should vet associates and businesses in choosing a tax preparer. Coloradans who meet certain income and other requirements can get their taxes done for free through Tax Help Colorado, a project housed at Mile High United Way, according to the release.
People who believe they’ve been victimized are urged to file a complaint with the attorney general at stopfraudcolorado.gov.
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