Ohio A-G has tax scam avoidance tips

VW independent/submitted information

COLUMBUS — Attorney General Dave Yost is urging Ohioans to watch out for scammers this tax season and to protect their personal information and refund dollars.

“Everybody loves a tax refund — especially bad guys, who want yours,” Attorney General Yost said. “They’re rubbing their hands with glee now that it’s tax season, and their favorite criminal tool is your personal information.”

The Attorney General’s Office has received more than 130 reports of tax-related scams in January. The office encourages citizens to follow these steps when filing their taxes:

• File taxes as soon as possible: Tax identity theft generally occurs when someone steals personal information to file a tax return and fraudulently obtain someone else’s refund. The sooner people file, the less likely it is that someone can file on their behalf.
• Choose a reputable tax preparer: Those who use a tax preparer should make sure they have the credentials Ohioans looking for by visiting the IRS’ Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers or by confirming a Certified Public Accountant’s credentials. Before having one’s tax return prepared, ask about all associated fees. Research a business with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau.
• Protect personal information: Those who file their taxes online need make sure to use a secure Internet connection. Those who file by mail should take their completed returns directly to the post office. Keep sensitive documents in a secure place. Shred any unneeded documents that contain Social Security numbers or other sensitive information.
• Consider the costs of any “fast” refunds: Offers for instant or “fast” refunds may be costly refund anticipation loans or refund anticipation checks. These products may involve substantial fees. Avoiding a refund anticipation loan may save money without diminishing the amount of a refund. When filing taxes electronically, taxpayers can have refunds directly deposited into their bank account, typically within a few weeks.
• Use any refund wisely: Be an informed consumer and smart shopper by spending any refund wisely or saving it for later. For any major purchases such as a vehicle, do business only with reputable dealers. Consumers can find help researching a company’s reputation through the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau. Be sure to get everything — including any promises made by the dealer — in writing and read the fine print.

Consumers who suspect a scam or an unfair business practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800.282.0515.