Warning about tax-related scams in Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – This is the last week to file tax returns and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is continuing efforts to warn Floridians about tax-related identity theft and scams.

She issued a warning about tax identity theft in January and now she is providing more advice for people as the tax-filing deadline approaches.

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The following will help you safeguard against tax fraud:

  • Use a secure internet connection when filing electronically. Do not use unsecure publicly available Wi-Fi hotspots.
  • Mail tax returns directly from the post office, not from home.
  • Know that the IRS will never initiate contact by email, phone, text or social media. If the IRS needs information, the federal agency will first contact by mail.
  • Contact the IRS ID Theft Protection Specialized Unit at (800) 908-4490 if a Social Security Number has been compromised.

If you receive a call from the IRS and you believe it's fraudulent, report the call to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration by filing a complaint online at www.TIGTA.gov or by calling (800) 366-4484.

Consumers victimized by tax-related scams can file a complaint by visiting www.FTCComplaintAssistant.gov. You can also file complaints about tax-related scams and other types of fraud through the Florida Attorney General's Office.

Attorney General Pam Bondi will also be reaching out to Floridians with identity theft protection advice this week via Twitter. 

Tax filers can follow the online identity theft prevention campaign here