2 Investigators: Beware Renewed Efforts Of Con Artists During The Holidays
(CBS) -- It's not just the season for cold and Santa Claus – but also con artists.
But you can avoid becoming a victim, CBS 2's Pam Zekman reports.
CBS 2 investigator Pam Zekman has been reporting on many of these scams for years. At a news conference Friday, a group of watchdogs issued some warnings on what you need to watch out for.
Front and center was some timely advice on taxes and the holidays.
"While taxpayers are busy shopping for holiday gifts, constantly using credit cards (and) online accounts, there are thieves hard at work looking for ways to steal their personal and business financial information," James Robnett of the IRS Criminal Investigations Division said.
The IRS says there was a 400 percent surge in phishing and malware instances last year in which criminals sent unsolicited emails to lure taxpayers to give out personal information.
"If you get a call, somebody claims to be the IRS and they claim you owe tax money. The best thing for you to do, truth be told, is to hang up the phone," Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said.
The IRS never makes phone calls to deliver that information.
"This was the No. 1 scam for the last three years across North America for every Better Business Bureau," said Steve Bernas, head of the BBB in the Chicago area.
The experts had other advice on how to prevent becoming a scam victim: Don't open unsolicited email, use security software, have strong passwords and don't make payments over the phone.
Ruby Haughton-Pitts of AARP in Illinois says older adults are bilked out of $3 billion annually.
"Frauds and scams will actually tear you apart inside," she said. "They want to take your freedom. They want to take your money. They want to take away your peace of mind."
Bottom line: Whether you're contacted by phone, email or social media do not send money to any one or any company that you don't know before contacting a government agency or someone you trust who can tell if it is legitimate.
You can get some advice and help from the following agencies:
-The Illinois Attorney General's Office -- Consumer Fraud complaints: 800-386-5438; Identity Theft problems: 866-999-5630
-U.S. Treasury Department's Office of the Inspector General
