Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and Joe Ducey of the Better Business Bureau released a new consumer video PSA on Mar. 16 warning residents about tax-related scams that are targeting people during tax season.
The announcement is important as scammers continue to use fake IRS programs, government handout schemes, and other tactics to obtain sensitive financial information from taxpayers. The PSA aims to help Arizonans recognize these fraudulent activities and protect themselves from becoming victims.
The video highlights several common scams, including false claims about “IRS liability reduction programs,” non-existent government inflation refund checks, and direct deposit offers supposedly tied to tariff money. According to the release, none of these programs exist but are being used by scammers to trick individuals into sharing personal data. “Scammers want you to act fast before a supposed relief option disappears,” said Attorney General Mayes. “If someone is pushing you to act immediately, stop and hang up the phone. Knowing how to spot a scam can help you protect yourself from being victimized.”
Another scam involves callers pretending to be from an IRS “tax review” unit who provide fake badge numbers and claim recipients have unresolved issues with their files. Taxpayers are advised that legitimate IRS communications can be verified at irs.gov. Joe Ducey of the BBB said, “Arizonans should only trust sources they can verify. Before hiring a tax preparer, check bbb.org for reviews and accredited businesses. You can also look up common scams or report new ones to the BBB’s scam tracker at www.bbb.org/scamtracker.” The PSA provides tips such as never giving out your Tax ID or bank account number in response to unsolicited messages, hanging up on pressure tactics, verifying IRS contact through official channels, researching tax preparers before hiring them, not trusting caller ID alone, avoiding suspicious links in emails or texts, and reporting scams.
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office addresses issues such as elder abuse, civil rights violations, and unsolved crimes through its cold case unit, contributing to community protection across the state according to the official website. The office functions as Arizona’s primary legal entity offering advocacy and protection for residents according to the official website. Kris Mayes serves as Arizona’s 27th attorney general and is noted as the first mother in this role according to the official website.
Additionally, the office delivers comprehensive legal services statewide according to the official website, participates in federal action lawsuits supporting fair housing initiatives and accountability measures for social media companies according to the official website, and serves as Arizona’s chief legal office with broad responsibilities for legal protection according to the official website.
Residents who believe they have been victims of consumer fraud are encouraged to file complaints with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office or report tax-related scams directly to the IRS.
