The BBB of Mississippi is warning Mississippi consumers to watch out for con artists looking to profit from the tax rebate checks that are expected later this year.“Every time there is a general tax rebate program, there are reports of people who attempt to take money from consumers,” said Bill Moak, BBB Mississippi president. “While we haven’t yet heard reports from Mississippi consumers about possible scams, federal officials have noted suspicious activity in Missouri and other areas of the country.”
In Missouri, for example, con artists have begun calling consumers, claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). They are asking for personal information, which could possibly be used for identity theft purposes. “No legitimate agency or organization is going to ask you for personal information over the phone or via email,” Moak said.
Moak noted that, in the past, scammers have collected fees from consumers to “expedite” or “speed-up” their refunds, only to have the consumers find out that the checks will arrive only when they are sent out by the Treasury Department. In one case a company collected a $29.00 fee (drafted directly from the victim’s bank account) in exchange for assistance in obtaining the refund.
Consumers are also cautioned to carefully consider programs which “loan” you your anticipated rebate. “While you might get your money before you ordinarily would, you are going to pay fees – in essence, you are being charged to access your own money,” Moak said. “If you can, it’s best to wait for your check to arrive.”
