Seniors Warned About New Tax Rebate Scam - Massachusetts

Seniors warned about new tax rebate scam

By Sue Scheible
GateHouse Media News Service
Posted Mar 06, 2008 @ 08:00 PM

While looking out for their federal rebates, Massachusetts seniors are being warned to look out for scam artists trying to filch their money as they wait.

the federal rebate scam drew special attention because it is universal: Individuals will receive $600, couples $1,200, from the Internal Revenue Service as part of an economic stimulus bill. But there is no way to speed up the rebate other than filing a tax return.

Yet people claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service or a bank have been telling elders they can their one-time rebate sooner by relaying personal information.

“People are being called and told, ‘Give us your Social Security number and we’ll send you the checks early,’” Coakley said.

Those who get such a message should hang up or terminate the online exchange, said Edward J. Flynn Jr., executive director of South Shore Elder Services in Braintree, Mass.


(abridged) SOURCE: metrowestdailynews