INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Revenue is warning against summertime tax scams.

The DOR says that, even though it is no longer tax time, summer can be a very lucrative time for scammers. This is because people are waiting for responses from the DOR or the Internal Revenue Service after filing returns.

Often, scams reach people by phone or email. They are hoping to lure people into disclosing personal information, like Social Security information and passwords.

Keep in mind that scams often have telltale signs. Some of them are the caller demanding immediate payment, without the taxpayer being given the opportunity to appeal the amount owed; asking for payment by a specific method, like a prepaid debit card or wire transfer; threatening to arrest the taxpayer; and requesting a credit or debit card number.

“If you receive a call or email that seems suspicious, do not give out any personal information and hang up immediately,” DOR Commissioner Adam Krupp said. “Never hesitate to contact DOR directly to determine if any call or email received is legitimate. We are able to confirm the validity of the call and put you in contact with the appropriate representative, if needed.”

The DOR also reminds taxpayers that caller ID, while useful, is not a good safeguard. Scammers can make it appear they are calling from a different number than the one they are actually using.

The DOR and the IRS also do not contact taxpayers by email for personal or financial information. If you receive such an email, you are encouraged to contact the DOR at [email protected] or the IRS at [email protected].

To learn more about reported scams, visit in.gov/dor/6349.htm.

Source: WNDU