Ohio AG warning of tax scams as tax filing deadline approaches

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine is warning that more consumers are reporting tax-related scams with about four weeks remaining until the April 18 filing deadline. In 2017, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office has logged more than 150 tax scams thus far in March, compared to 80 in January, and 175 in February. The most common tax scam reported to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office is the “IRS” imposter phone scam. The ploy generally begins with a call claiming the recipient is in trouble with the IRS and must call a certain phone number to avoid arrest or legal action. Eventually, the person is asked to resolve the supposed problem by buying an iTunes (or other) gift cards, instructing people to read the card numbers over the phone. Authorities warn that if you receive such a call, the best thing to do is hang up.