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Local Online Tax Preparation is Scam Free

Ernest Sanders
Published: March 21, 2012

Ernest Sanders

According to the article below, online tax scams can be really deceiving and appear to look very creditable. If you want to avoid such predatory practices, the Auburn Gresham Tax Center offers you FREE online tax preparation that is safe and secured.

Since 2004 (in partnership with the 17th and 21st Aldermanic Wards), the Center for Economic Progress (CEP), the St. Sabina Employment Resource Center (ERC), and the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation (GADC) have partnered to make the tax season a mutual benefit to Auburn Gresham residents and others across the metropolitan area of Chicago.

For the past seven years, this partnership has continued to strengthen and has helped more than 9,000 families and returned over $15 million back into the pockets of Auburn Gresham families and the community.

This FREE service will be available through Monday, April 16, 2012 on the following dates and times:

  • Monday and Thursdays: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Saturdays: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Note: This FREE service is based on a first come first serve basis. So be sure to come earlier than the times listed above.

Click here for more information about the FREE service.

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Beware These Signs Of An Online Tax Scam

Jan 27, 2012

By SFLearn State Farm™ Employee

As tax season starts, be alert for phishing emails that appear to be messages from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Scammers use email, websites and even social media to trick taxpayers into sharing personal and financial information, which they can then use to steal your identity. Meant to either frighten or entice, these fraudulent messages may threaten a tax audit or offer a tax refund.

But know this: The IRS does not generally send unsolicited e-mails to taxpayers or request financial account security information, such as PIN numbers. Further, they will not discuss tax account information with taxpayers via e-mail or use it to request sensitive financial and personal information from taxpayers.

Signs of a tax scam
Scams may appear legitimate and some may even use the IRS logo. Warning signs that you've received a fraudulent message include:

  • Requests for personal and/or financial information, such as your Social Security number and bank or credit card account numbers.
  • Tempting offers that might persuade readers to click on links or respond to messages.
  • Threats that suggest consequences for not responding to the email.
  • Incorrect grammar, spelling or phrasing—especially when referencing the IRS or other government agencies—and links to inaccurate URLs. Rather than relying on links listed in the message, manually type the official IRS website directly into your search engine address bar to follow up.

Reporting scams
If you receive an online message you suspect is a scam, the IRS suggests taking the following steps:

  • Do not open any attachments or links. These could lead you to a fake IRS website, where opening a link could download malware or allow someone to hack into your computer.
  • Ignore messages that offer a refund. Instead, go to the IRS's Where's My Refund? site to determine if you are actually receiving a refund.
  • Forward the message or web address to phishing@irs.gov.
  • Delete the message.

Learn more about scams that impersonate the IRS The IRS also provides additional information about precautions to take if you receive messages that appear to be from the agency.

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