Drew Wilson
Right-leaning group 60 Plus Association is formally supporting a warning released last week by Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam for seniors to watch out for IRS scams.
Putnam Friday called for Florida seniors to be cautious of people impersonating IRS agents claiming they can sort out tax refund payment problems or get big deductions for previous tax years over the phone.
The warning was seconded by the 60 Plus Association, the chairman of which said Putnam was among the “strongest advocates” for seniors. In the past, the group has awarded Putnam its “Guardian of Seniors” award.
“In recent years, seniors have increasingly been targeted by IRS scams which are what makes public warnings by those like Commissioner Putnam so valuable,” 60 Plus Chairman Jim Martin said in a statement. “On behalf of 60 Plus’s 7 million members nationwide, I’d like to thank him for his actions and direct seniors to our website www.60plus.org for more information on protecting yourself.”
Putnam said seniors should be on the lookout for anybody claiming to be from the IRS that asks for a Social Security number or other personal financial information over the phone.
The IRS typically contacts taxpayers by phone and never asks for a credit card, prepaid debit card, money order or wire transfer immediately over the phone. Putnam’s release also said that the IRS will never threaten to involve local law enforcement to issue an arrest or suspend a license.
Floridians who are unsure about their tax situation can call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040.
