To all the readers of this blog: I wanted to let you know of recent scams put out by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. It is tax season so it is big scam time for people trying to cheat you. This is a posting from our local library.

Alert: Don’t Fall for the Area Code Scam: The “area code” scam is making a comeback, according to a March 15th article on APP. The scam is simple: You may get a phone call from a strange area code. A message might be left or it may be a hang-up call. Curiosity gets the best of you and you call the number back. Then you get socked with a bill for call an international number sometimes up to $20 for the first minute. Experts quoted in the article warned against dialing the number back without recognizing where it came from. If you’re curious, look up the area code on Google, an expert advised. If you see the code is from a foreign country, chances are that it’s a scam.

Alert: IRS Warns of Tax Scams Making the Rounds: A March 2nd article on NJ.com details 12 different scams that the Internal Revenue Services is warning taxpayers to avoid. Those scams include phishing scams, in which taxpayers receive an email, purportedly from the IRS, providing a link to a website that when opened allows a program to be installed on the recipient’s computer. That program can then mine for personal data and financial information., which can be used in identity theft schemes. Similar scam use text messaging or phone call to threaten consumers with arrest if they do not provide personal information. The IRS says it will never demand personal information in such a manner and urges taxpayers to double check all email and phone claims with the IRS office.

Contact the office if you suspect FRAUD: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs

1-800-242-5846

FightingFraud.NJ.gov

*Disclaimer: this information was taken from a recent flyer from the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs that is in the Bergen County Libraries and I thought it was something that everyone should know. During tax time, scammers are running rapid and you will get all sorts of phone calls and emails. Please be careful as they have called my house as well so no one is safe. Always double check with your accountant if all else fails.