Olde Hornet
Well-Known Member
Wait, did your tax preparer just take a cut of your refund? Here's how to stay safe
Unscrupulous tax preparers may target senior centers, religious communities and others to build trust. But bad preparers are out to make a fast buck.
www.usatoday.com
Ernest Sumpter, 68, tells a tax-time tale that should give anyone pause before handing over a Social Security number and other information to a stranger who offers a deal on doing your taxes.
Sumpter lives in a seniors apartment complex in Detroit not far from Wayne State University where a woman essentially went door-to-door offering to prepare tax returns.
"She was charging the seniors $50 to do their taxes," Sumpter said.
The woman, who was in her 40s, dressed well, drove a nice car and looked professional. She had built up a friendship with another tenant in the building, a relationship that ultimately opened doors for her.
"She got close to one of the seniors so she could vouch for her," said Sumpter, who retired after working at a local manufacturing plant that made auto parts.
Since the woman seemed genuine and other people liked her, Sumpter paid $50 for filing his 2017 state income tax return to get a state refund based on the Home Heating Credit and the Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit.
