The Internal Revenue Service wrapped up its annual ‘Dirty Dozen’ list of tax scams with
a special emphasis on aggressive and evolving schemes related to coronavirus tax
relief, including Economic Impact Payments. The Internal Revenue Service Criminal
Investigation division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois
urge taxpayers to be vigilant to these tax scams.
This year, the Dirty Dozen focuses on scams that target taxpayers. The criminals
behind these bogus schemes view everyone as potentially easy prey.
“Fraud schemes harm everyone, especially those which defraud the IRS and members
of our community,” said Adam Steiner, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the IRS
Criminal Investigation division in the St. Louis Field Office. “As we stand ready to
investigate anyone who would put a taxpayer at risk for a quick profit, we urge everyone
to watch out for these tax scams all the time.”
Tax scams tend to rise during tax season or during times of crisis. “This years’ list of tax
scams should serve as a stark reminder to everyone to be vigilant to these threats
during the current pandemic and its aftermath,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft
for the Southern District of Illinois. “Please safeguard your personal and financial
information, and refrain from engaging potential scammers online or on the phone.”
Taxpayers are encouraged to review the ‘Dirty Dozen’ list in a special section on
IRS.gov and be on the lookout for these scams throughout the year.
For official information year round, taxpayers can visit IRS.gov
