ASK THE CALIFORNIA EMPLOYMENT TAX AND PAYROLL TAX ATTORNEY – IRS WARNS OF 2024 HOLIDAY SCAMS

By Robert S. Schriebman

2024

Introduction

On December 2, 2024, the IRS issued Press Release 2024-300 warning consumers and taxpayers about new and improved scams to separate you from your money.  The holiday season creates tempting targets for identity thieves and scam artists.  This article will discuss a couple of examples of the latest scams and give you tips on how to protect yourself.

Examples of Scams

The first example of the latest scam involve false messages made to look like they are coming from delivery services.  Potential victims receive a text or email purporting to be from a company or business telling you that a delivery cannot be made and to click on a link to reschedule.  In reality, the link represents a form of phishing that attempts to steal personal information or download malware.  This is a pervasive scam that is expected to intensify during this holiday season.

Another common scam on the horizon will involve an email pretending to be from the IRS or others in the tax industry.  These frequently involve unexpected good news like, “hello you are expecting a tax refund.” But these can also involve text and email messages telling people they have a tax bill or have tax documents to unload.

It is important to know that the IRS will never communicate with you by a text or email.  The usual communication is by letter showing the official IRS logo.  Even here, scammers often duplicate the IRS logo.  If you get one of these letters, the smartest thing you can do is to contact a tax professional who will verify the letter’s authenticity. You can also call the IRS at 1.800.829.1040 to verify.

Steps to Take to Protect Yourself

According to the latest IRS Press Release, these are the best steps to take to protect yourself:

• Shop at online sites with web addresses that begin with the letters “https:” the “s” stands for secure communications. Also look for a padlock icon in the browser window.
• Don’t shop on unsecured public Wi-Fi in places like a mall or a restaurant.
• Use strong, unique passwords for online accounts.

Source: IR-2024-300

Conclusion

If you believe your personal information is being used to file fraudulent tax returns, or fraudulent claims for refund, the IRS suggest that you file Form 14039 online, “Identify Theft Affidavit.”

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Robert Schriebman has a successful practice in the Rolling Hills Estates area of Los Angeles County serving clients throughout California and the United States. He has successfully dedicated more than 50 years to helping individual taxpayers, business owners, CPAs, Enrolled Agents, and tax attorneys navigate the complicated tax systems of the federal and state governments.  Mr. Schriebman is in private practice.  He is not affiliated in any way with the EDD, and he is not employed by the EDD or any other agency of the State of California.

Robert Schriebman has written the only 2 books ever published dealing with how California Employment Development Department (EDD) operates. See “California Tax Collection Practice and Procedures” and “California Taxation Practice and Procedure,” both published by Commerce Clearing House.

Robert Schriebman has written over 20 books including the major manual used nationally by practitioners and the IRS, “IRS Tax Collection Procedures – A Manual for Practitioners” published by Commerce Clearing House.

Robert Schriebman has written over 20 books including the major manual used nationally by practitioners and the IRS, “IRS Tax Collection Procedures – A Manual for Practitioners” published by Commerce Clearing House in addition to the only 2 books ever published dealing with how California Employment Development Department (EDD) operates. See “California Tax Collection Practice and Procedures” and “California Taxation Practice and Procedure,” both published by Commerce Clearing House.

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