With only weeks until initial filing deadlines, tax season is well under way — and so is scam season, according to local and national officials, who warn seniors and others to avoid becoming a victim of would-be con artists this year.
Anything topical and current — such as COVID-19 vaccination efforts and awaited federal stimulus checks — can provide cover for scammers. But tax season presents a perennial opportunity for those who would steal from vulnerable, well-meaning individuals, according to Katie Conner, a spokeswoman for the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
“During tax season we will see an increase in reports and consumer complaints,” Ms. Conner told Daily Independent. “These con artists, we’ve seen them pretend to be from the IRS or the U.S. Marshals, and they do sound very legitimate. That’s why we want to warn consumers about them and to make sure they keep their guards up.”
