Beware Free File fakers

April 17, 2007

Scam_alert_text_2If you’re planning to e-file for free today, make sure you go to the Free File Alliance page on IRS.gov. That’s the only legitimate access point to the no-cost electronic service.

The IRS says some sites are posing as members of the public-private tax filing consortium to illegally make off with individuals’ tax refunds.

The con artists take the filing data from individuals, then go one of the 19 legitimate Free File Alliance partners and use the taxpayers’ information to claim the refunds, which then are deposited into the scammers’ bank accounts rather than the taxpayers’ accounts.

The IRS did not identify the fake Free File sites, but said it is working with the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to look into this latest tax scam.

In the meantime, if you’re eligible to use the free e-filing service — it’s open this year to individuals with adjusted gross incomes of $52,000 or less — make sure you go only to the official Free File Alliance site.

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