Through the months of February and March, and approaching April 15, all Americans need to gather up their relevant documents and prepare to file their tax return for the previous calendar year. During this time of year especially, it’s important to be aware that scammers and con artists are looking for opportunities to steal from innocent taxpayers, and seniors are often an easy target for them to prey on.

Rest assured knowing that the team at Wesley Enhanced Living is here to help! Our senior living communities offer support during tax filing season by making sure our residents are informed about potential scams to protect themselves from becoming victims of cybercrime. 

Common Tax Scams—Watch Out, and Stay Safe

Remember to always be vigilant and keep your eyes open for potential scams, and never hand your banking information to anyone besides a trusted family member, friend, or tax advisor. Scammers often pose as IRS officials requesting information. Be aware of these three typical fraud schemes highlighted on the IRS official website:

  1. Phishing: Using email to communicate with family and friends is easy and many seniors love the convenience of keeping in touch online. However, it also makes you vulnerable to fake emails from scammers and websites that want to steal your personal information. The year 2020 showed an increase in this type of scam, especially in the wake of the government stimulus funds.
  2. Threatening Phone Calls: Not just seniors, but citizens of all ages have received phone calls that are ‘supposedly’ from the IRS. These calls include threats of arrest, deportation, or license revocation if a bogus tax bill isn’t paid.
  3. Social Media Scams: You may love keeping up with your children and grandchildren via social media, but it is also an easy way to let personal identifying information slip. Unfortunately, cyber thugs are waiting to steal it.  

Spotting Signs of Identity Theft

Here are some ways that can indicate you may be a victim of tax-related identity theft: 

  • You receive a letter from the IRS asking you about a suspicious tax return you did not file.
  • You have trouble filing your tax return because of a duplicate Social Security Number.
  • You get a tax transcript in the mail, and you didn’t request it.

For more information, be sure to check out the IRS Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft. 

Get the Support You Need from the Team at Wesley Enhanced Living 

Spend the best time of your life making friends, staying active, eating healthy, and enjoying the peace and comfort of a retired life. You should not have to worry and fret over the threat of cybercrime. Make the move to a Wesley Enhanced Living community and know you are in good hands. We are very protective of our seniors. Our team supports all of our seniors by ensuring that they have the quality of life that they deserve. We do this through a range of living options that include independent living, personal care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. Check us out today to see what will work best for your golden years.

Wesley Enhanced Living provides high-quality senior retirement communities for you or your loved ones.  Contact one of our Philadelphia area locations and find out why our seniors love where they live. Our staff is happy to discuss your elder’s needs or your own and inform you of our range of services. Virtual tours are now available. Call us today for more information.