Pappas Promotes Safety during Extended Tax Season, Cautions Against Scammers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Diane Pappas, D-Itasca, is encouraging the community to be aware of potential scams during the tax season that has been extended by the COVID-19 virus and the criminals who might try to take advantage of this unfamiliar situations.

“During a time in which communities across the state are coming together to fight this disease, we must also be aware of criminals who see this as an opportunity to take advantage of unaware Illinoisans,” Pappas said. “Everyone should be cautious of unfamiliar emails and phone calls asking for personal and financial information.”

Pappas is promoting caution against possible financial predators and taking measures such as increased caution about giving out any information online or on the phone, shredding documents with personal and financial details, and regularly updating passwords. Anyone who believes they may have been contacted by a scammer should contact law enforcement authorities at https://www2.illinois.gov/rev/programs/fraud/Pages/fraudreport.aspx.

“I take the financial safety of people in our community very seriously, and I will continue to work to support law enforcement in cracking down on financial criminals,” Pappas said. “It is sad to see people who want to use a crisis for personal gain, but if we remain careful and take the proper precautions, they won’t succeed.”