March 2010



You Can Do It

Watch Out!
It's the Season for Tax Scams

If you need to file a tax return, don’t fall for this trap: An official-looking email pops up in your inbox from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requesting information to process your tax refund. There’s a link to follow with an urgent message: “Enter account numbers here to avoid further delay.” In a matter of clicks, your identity is stolen, your financial accounts have been compromised, and your tax refund has been diverted to an overseas account.

Are they targeting you?
Common tax scam scenarios include:
  • Emails or phone calls claiming to come from the IRS to gather your personal or financial information.
  • Dishonest tax return preparers who promise unreasonably large refunds and falsify tax returns – for which you’re responsible.
  • Tax-filing services that file on your behalf using fake routing numbers so you never get your tax refund.
  • Offers for “tax relief” or assistance to reduce the amount you owe the government.


    • In many of these scams, you’ll pay high fees and get nothing in return – except huge headaches and possible legal ramifications. Play it smart this tax season and protect yourself from scams with these tips:

    Never give out personal or financial information in response to an email or phone call you did not initiate. Do not open links in unsolicited email messages claiming to come from the IRS. Call 800.829.1040 to confirm the authenticity of any contact you’ve received from the IRS.

    Be suspicious of tax preparers encouraging you to make false claims on your tax return, or promising larger or faster refunds if you pay high fees.

    File electronically, which is faster and more secure than sending your tax return in the mail. Choose direct deposit by entering your account numbers and DCU’s routing number, 211391825, on your tax forms.

    To learn more about paying your taxes and avoiding scams, visit the IRS at irs.gov.
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Digital Federal Credit Union
PO Box 9130
Marlborough, MA 01752-9130
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