In this month’s scam, you receive an unexpected phone call from someone who says they are an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agent. They claim that you owe money to the IRS. The call seems real because the “agent” even provides what sounds like an actual government badge number. To make this situation even more alarming, they threaten you with fines or threaten to arrest you if you don’t immediately pay the money that you owe.
However, this “tax agent” is actually a cybercriminal, and the debt that you supposedly owe isn’t real! They will try to pressure you into paying them, usually by wire transfer or a prepaid debit card. But if you send any money, it goes straight into the cybercriminal’s pockets!
Follow these tips to protect against tax scams:
- The IRS will not call you and threaten to arrest you. If there is an issue with your taxes, they will usually contact you by mail.
- If you do owe money to the IRS, they will never demand immediate payment using prepaid debit cards or wire transfers. Scammers often request payment using these methods because they are more difficult to trace.
- Remember, cybercriminals try to scare you because you’re more likely to act impulsively if you’re afraid. Always stop and think!
Source: Alphastar Capital Management Security Team
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Megan Jones joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as marketing director. Megan and her husband live in Fredericksburg, VA with their German Short Haired Pointer, Gus. Megan is a graduate of Longwood University and holds a degree in communications. Megan is the oldest of Dave Lopez’s three children and not only enjoys working alongside her father, but also with her cousin, Chase, who joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. Megan is also a fully licensed Life, Health, and Annuity agent. When not at work, Megan enjoys sitting on the back porch with family and friends enjoying food and music.
Amy Anderson joined the ILG Financial team in 2023 as the client relations coordinator. Her responsibilities include scheduling of appointments, annual check-up notifications, and annuity and required minimum distribution assistance. She is a graduate of Harding University with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Amy and her husband have two children and she enjoys reading, crocheting, music and spending time with her family.
Terri Center joined the ILG Financial team in 2019 as client services manager. She handles client records, application processing, and gathering information to provide a professional and friendly experience with all of our clients. Terri is a graduate of Oakland University. She is married and has two children. She enjoys hiking, family time, and puzzle challenging video games. She also likes to share her creativity in her canvas paintings and sewing projects.
Jessica Carson joined the ILG Financial team in 2018 as an agent. Jessica and her husband have four children, two dogs, 3 barn cats, 5 chickens, and three parakeets. She indeed loves her children and pets! When not at work, Jessica enjoys playing the piano and cello as well as traveling and spending time outside with her family, hiking, fishing, and boating.
Chase Lopez joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor and obtained his