Not even the pandemic can slow down criminals, who never cease to look for ways to lure unsuspecting victims. That’s why in today’s post, we talk about pandemic-related scams and give you tips on how to avoid them. 

Pandemic-Related Scams: What You Need To Know

Scammers are experts at taking advantage of confusing situations to rob people of their money or personal information. The pandemic is no exception to this perverse rule. That’s why we encourage you to be on the lookout for the scams described below. 

Economic Impact Payments Tax Refund Scams

Scammers use Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) as an excuse to try to trick you into sharing your personal information. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

• The IRS has already issued all Economic Impact Payments. If you didn’t get yours or received less than the full amount, you may be eligible to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 or 2021 tax return. 

• The IRS will NEVER initiate contact by phone, email, text, or social media, asking you to provide personal information such as your Social Security number.

Fake Employment Offers

The pandemic has caused shifts in the labor market and some people are urgently looking for a job. Scammers take advantage of jobseekers by using social media to persuade them to share their personal information under the guise of a job offer.

• Never share your personal information (such as social security number, passwords, or bank accounts) through social media messages.

• Among other things, criminals can use your information to file a fraudulent tax return and get a fraudulent refund. 

Fake Charities

This is a classic scam, and criminals have been quick to adapt it to the pandemic. If you plan to make charitable donations, be sure to keep the following in mind:

• If a person tries to pressure you into making a donation quickly, that’s a huge red flag and one of the hallmarks of a scam.

• Before making a donation, ask the person for the exact name of the charity as well as the address of its website. Then verify all those details online. 

• NEVER, under any circumstances, make a donation using gift cards or by wiring money. 

Need Help With Your Taxes? Contact JT Tax Services

At JT Taxes, we have made it our mission to take the stress of tax filing off your hands so you can focus on what matters most to you. We maximize your refund and help you stay compliant with all applicable rules and laws.We are located in Oxnard, California. Contact us today by email (info@jttaxservices.com), telephone (805-984-8890), or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to schedule a consultation or to learn more about our wide array of tax services.