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 Spring Break Signals New Tax & Student Travel Scams
As the deadline for filing income tax looms near, procrastination when it comes to dealing with tax returns or impatience when it comes to dealing with tax refunds may leave some consumers susceptible to some new and timely scams.
Preparer Fraud
Be wary of Tax Preparers who make bold promises for big refunds or whose fee is based on the size of your refund. Some of these preparers can prepare fraudulent returns. Some unscrupulous tax preparers may simply want to attach your social security number to a return that is "guaranteed" a large refund. Others might just want your social security number for the purposes of identity theft. Even if you were duped into participating in this type of fraud, the taxpayer is responsible for any discrepancies even though they may have made them unwittingly.
Phishing for Refunds
There is currently a variation of the "phishing" scam aimed towards taxpayers who have filed returns and are awaiting their refunds. The e-mail may use various @IRS extensions and may appear to be legitimate. The E-Mail directs the reader who is awaiting a refund to click a link to a website that is a convincing facsimile of the IRS website. The user is then asked to enter personal information in order to access refund information. The IRS will not contact taxpayers electronically. If you receive one of these e-mails you should contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report this fraud.
Visit www.irs.gov for more information on IRS related scams.
E-mails of this nature are not limited to using the likeness of the IRS in order to dupe taxpayers. Consumers may also want to be on the lookout for e-mails soliciting online tax preparation. Some scam artists will use the name of credible and well-known tax preparers and lead consumers to fake company websites in order to gather personal information.
Social Security Refunds
Some scam artists will offer preparation of returns for "Social Security" tax refunds. The scam will ask the consumer to pay up front for processing fees and charge an estimated percentage of return. This the law does not allow for returns of this nature.
Vacationing Tips for Students
The marketplace for Getaway Packages aimed at students has grown exponentially in the last few years. Since oftentimes it's the teenagers themselves who are the ones actively seeking or receiving these solicitations, it would be a good idea to keep these tips in mind when dealing with travel packages.
Many times the company will have a student representative approach other students on campus. Deal with the company or travel agent directly to ensure all the information involving the package is accurate. If the representation seems too much of a high pressure sale, take a step back to properly examine the offer or just walk away.
Pay attention to any solicitation that claims you have won a free vacation or discounts on travel packages. There may be hidden costs and fees involved or requirements that must be met in order to receive the benefits.
Before you make any payments, get all the details regarding the total price, cancellation and change penalties, lodging information, and airline information. Make sure your trip has a guaranteed departure date and a guaranteed price.
Do your homework on the Travel Agency or Company itself. Find out what, if any, trade associations the Travel Agency belongs to. If there is a trade association involved call that trade association to see if any complaints have been filed against that company. Ask the company directly for references from satisfied customers.
If you are dealing with a travel agent outside of your local area, consult with a local, reputable travel agent to evaluate the package that has been offered to you.
For assistance in researching potential travel agents you can research the company on the Better Business Bureau's Website www.bbb.org
The American Society of Travel Agents also provides a website full of resources for the traveler at http://www.travelsense.org/
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