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Crime & Safety

Athens-Clarke County Police Warn of Possible Income Tax Scam

In a press release today, police report several complaints

According to Athens-Clarke County Police, citizens have reported a flier posted in the Athens area stating that a company was operating in association with the President’s stimulus program; applicants would be eligible to receive a check for up to $1,000 if eligible. “The applicants were told they needed to meet certain qualifications and could not have already filed their 2011 income taxes.” Applicants were then asked for personal information which included date of birth and social security number.

“These are referred to as "phishing scams," as they are phishing for personal information.”

We are reminded that taxpayers are not required  to fill out a separate form to get a stimulus payment, “all they have to do is file a tax return. The IRS uses the information contained on the taxpayer's tax return to process stimulus payments.”

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“Guard your identity – do not give out personal information (date of birth, social security number) to anyone through telephone calls, mail, or email.”

If you believe you have been a victim of this scam, please contact your to report the details.

Find out what's happening in Oconeewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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