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ATM Safety Tips |
Consumer Protection |
Privacy Alert |
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The IRS recently issued a consumer alert about an Internet phishing scam in which consumers
receive an email, purportedly from the IRS, informing them that they are eligible to receive a
tax refund for a specific amount.
The e-mail, which claims to be from "tax refunds@irs.gov," directs the consumer to a link that
requests personal information, such as Social Security numbers and credit card information. IRS officials
stressed that the agency does not ask for personal identifying or financial information via unsolicited
e-mails.
Anyone receiving such an e-mail should not open any attachments because they may contain
a malicious code that will infect your computer. Call the IRS at 800-829-1040 to determine whether
the agency is trying to contact you about a tax refund.
Click here for the IRS's "Dirty Dozen" tax schemes. For more information, please click on the IRS logo
to visit their website. |
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Public Service Announcement
Imagine you are a senior who, like many people, takes prescription drugs. A person calls you and asks about your prescriptions. When you
indicate that you're enrolled in the State's prescription drug insurance plan, Prescription Advantage, the caller explains that his or her
company works with Prescription Advantage. The caller is pleasant but firm when he or she asks for your Social Security number
to verify your enrollment. He or she assures you that your coverage will continue, but needs your bank account number to check on a
recent co-payment. The caller thanks you for your assistance and wishes you a nice day.
Unfortunately, you won't have a nice day. You've just given a stranger enough information to steal your identity and your money.
All elders are encouraged NOT to:
- Give out their Social Security number or bank account number over the phone
- Allow their Social Security number to be written on a check
- Provide their Social Security number on contest entry forms
- Carry their Social Security cards in their wallets
If you're an elder and think you have been a victim of a scam, please call MVES at (781) 324-7705 to talk with a SHINE counselor.
For more information, please click on the MVES logo to visit their website.
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