Fraud Alerts

IRS Scams

In recent years, thousands of people have lost millions of dollars and their personal information to tax scams and fake IRS communication. Scammers use the regular mail, telephone, fax or email to set up their victims. Scammers will target individuals, businesses, and tax professionals. You need to know what to do if you spot a tax scam.

REMEMBER: The IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information. In addition, the IRS does not threaten taxpayers with lawsuits, imprisonment or other enforcement action. Recognizing these telltale signs of a phishing or tax scam could save you from becoming a victim. See also: How to know it’s really the IRS calling or knocking on your door. Scammers are constantly changing tactics to carry out crimes in new ways.

www.irs.gov

Card Skimmers

Over thirty credit card "skimming" devices have been found on gasoline pumps in different parts of Louisiana this year. These devices are used by thieves to steal credit card information from motorists. These devices are becoming harder to detect once they are installed at the pumps. Some of these devices even have Bluetooth capability, meaning they thieves can retrieve the data without having to return to the pumps.

www.usnews.com