State News

Officials Warn Floridians About Tax Scams

WFSU | By Sascha Cordner

Published February 6, 2017 at 6:07 PM EST

State officials are warning Floridians about scams during tax season.

Last year, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services received 31 tax-related complaints—about half were specific to IRS scams.

Common scams can include tax preparer phishing scams, IRS-impersonator phone scams and e-mail phishing scams.

So, Ag Commissioner Adam Putnam wants Floridians to be vigilant and protect their personal information from potential scammers by not giving it out over the phone.

Putnam says the public should also be aware the IRS contacts people by mail in most cases and never asks for a credit card or wire transfer immediately over the phone.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

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Sascha Cordner

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.

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