Reitz Alerts Residents to Beware of Scammers During Extended Tax Season

RED BUD, Ill. – To help Southern Illinoisans protect themselves from identity thieves and other scammers, state Rep. Nathan Reitz, D-Steeleville, is urging residents to be cautious and aware of potential scams during the tax season that was extended due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Many families are struggling to make ends meet during this time, as many businesses have been temporarily closed and state unemployment rates have continued to skyrocket,” said Reitz. “As we continue to face uncertainty, it is important that we keep an eye out for bad actors that want to take advantage of our families and scam residents out of their hard-earned dollars.”

Reitz is calling on residents to be alert for possible financial predators and use 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 and file a report with the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) at https://www2.illinois.gov/rev/programs/fraud/Pages/fraudreport.aspx.

“As the tax filing season has been extended, it is extremely important to stay vigilant and be cautious of unfamiliar emails or callers asking for personal or financial information,” continued Reitz. “I will continue supporting law enforcement to crack down on criminals that prey upon our families to use the COVID-19 crisis for personal gain.”