According to information received from the Federal Trade Commission, “impersonation scams” topped their 2022 list for most frequently reported fraudulent activity.

With tax time upon us, we are anticipating reports of the annual tax scams that surface this time of year.

Despite repeated warnings regarding prevailing and ongoing scams, there is a segment of our population that remains vulnerable to this criminal activity.

For this reason, I ask that our residents take a moment to consider relatives, friends and neighbors who may be vulnerable. Please take a few moments to remind seniors and susceptible individuals about these crimes.

Most of the calls, texts and emails involve past-due taxes, penalties or opportunities to pay a reduced tax if paid early.  Internet and social media sites use phishing by posing as official government entities requiring information.  Criminals often duplicate and alter official documents. Don’t be fooled!

Internal Revenue Service officials will never request payment via phone, request gift cards or ask for money to be wired. If such a call is received, hang up immediately.

By visiting https://apps.irs.gov/app/office-locator/, you can locate your nearest Taxpayer Assistance Center by entering your zip code. An in-person meeting, at a government office, ensures that you will not be victimized.

Report all unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS or an IRS-related organization to phishing@irs.gov. If you’ve experienced any monetary losses due to an IRS-related incident, please report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (https://www.tigta.gov/) and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their Complaint Assistant (https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/?orgcode=IRS) to make the information available to investigators.