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Montana DOR Warns Taxpayers About COVID-19 Scams

Dated Apr. 2, 2020

SUMMARY BY TAX ANALYSTS

The Montana Department of Revenue warned taxpayers about scams following the recently enacted federal COVID-19 stimulus package, and urged vigilance and protection of sensitive personal information.

Tax Preparers Targeted by Coronavirus Stimulus Scams

Tax preparers across the nation are being targeted by scams related to the recently announced federal stimulus package and need to be especially vigilant with their clients' personal and financial information.

With recent news of direct payments to Americans based on their 2018 or 2019 tax information, scammers are already targeting individuals, and especially tax preparers, by phone, email, and text, trying to solicit personal, financial and tax information that can be used for identity theft and financial fraud.

A typical scam might involve language such as, "In order to receive your/your client's stimulus payment via direct deposit, we need you to confirm the banking information." It might also include a link to website where the recipient is encouraged to leave personal financial information.

In addition to their usual vigilance, tax preparers should be on the lookout for communications that appear to be from taxpayers as well as from the Montana Department of Revenue, the IRS, or other agencies seeking large volumes of client data.

Extensions in the deadlines for federal and Montana individual income tax filing and payments are also adding to the opportunity for scammers. The department advises Montana taxpayers to file their taxes as soon as possible to narrow the opportunity for fraudulent activity related to their information.

Montanans should also continue to be vigilant about protecting all their personal information, and visit MTRevenue.gov/Fraud and IRS.gov for more information.

Montanans who receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to be with the Montana Department of Revenue should contact the department at MTRevenue.gov/Contact to verify the source.

The Montana Department of Revenue will continue working with the IRS and local tax preparers to detect and stop fraud, and will continue to notify the public as new kinds of fraud appear.

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