It's tax time, and if there is anything that could make it more painful, it's getting caught in a tax scam.
The Internal Revenue Service has a scam hotline at (800) 366-4484 to call if you have specific questions about e-mails or other solicitations you find suspicious.
As the April 15 tax deadline approaches, the IRS is warning against these types of scams:
Facebook and Twitter scams
The latest hunting grounds for fraudsters are social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter.
"I hadn't even heard of scammers using Twitter until about the last week or so," said Raphael Tulino, an IRS spokesman. "It's pretty new, but they're out there."
If you get a tweet or other type of social network message from someone guaranteeing you a tax refund, it's a scam.
Personal information scams
If you suddenly get an e-mail from the IRS that reads, "We have determined that you are eligible to receive a tax refund of $63.80" and asks for personal information, or something to that effect, it's a scam.
This type of scam is designed to harvest people's names, addresses, Social Security numbers and birth dates -- data that can be used for identity theft.
"Under no circumstance will the Internal Revenue Service be sending you or any taxpayer an out-of-the-blue e-mail about a refund, a survey, a probe or anything requesting personal information," Tulino said.
Banking scams
If you get an e-mail urging you to "double your tax return by filing out this direct deposit form," with or without an IRS logo, don't answer it. It's a ploy to get your banking information, which could be used to access your accounts.
In fact, don't provide any PINs, passwords or other access information to an unsolicited e-mail supposedly from the IRS.
Also, don't click on any attachments or links -- they could install viruses or other malware.
Bottom line: The IRS does not request banking or other financial information by way of e-mail.
Bogus IRS websites
"Just because you see an IRS logo on a website, or in an e-mail or on a form, that doesn't mean it's official," Tulino said.
Widely available graphics software can be used to make all-too-convincing impersonations of websites.
If a supposed IRS site has an address that doesn't begin with www.irs.gov, be very suspicious.
Tax "expert" fraud
Steer away from tax preparers who claim they can get you a larger refund than others can. Also, be cautious of preparers who base their fees on a percentage of your refund.
They could be tempted to exaggerate. And if they do -- and the IRS realizes it -- it's likely that you'll pay the price.
"Once you sign your tax return, you're the one responsible for what's on it," Tulino said.
"If your tax preparer uses your filing to do something illegal, even if you didn't realize it at the time, you'll still be liable for paying any unpaid taxes with interest and fines."
nathan.olivarezgiles @latimes.com
