Be smart with your return and your relationships

Be smart with your return and your relationships

 Expecting a bill or nice refund from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)? Scammers are ramping up their efforts to dupe you. Remain vigilant and check out current tax scams the IRS has identified this season: 

  • IRS impersonatorsThe IRS will not initiate contact with you by email or social media to request personal information. Phone scams impersonating the IRS often make legal threats. The IRS does not leave urgent messages and does not demand payment via gift card or crypto currency.
  • Social media tax tipsBe wary of tax advice found on social media as it can potentially misguide you regarding eligibility for credits or refunds. Dishonest or uninformed tax preparers misrepresent rules for claiming credits which can lead to you filing an incorrect return. 
  • Guaranteed return on investment (ROI)Scammers promote too good to be true investment returns, often through crypto, offshore platforms, or “tax-saving” programs and push urgent deposits for you to take advantage of “limited-time offers”. All legitimate investments come with a risk of loss. Check the firm with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) before investing and use verified investment platforms only.
  • Are they really that into you?Romance scammers prey on the heartstrings, leaving their targets emotionally and financially scarred. By developing a relationship, building trust and asking for money to help them out of distress — these scammers convince you to hand over your tax refund or life’s savings. Never send or accept funds from someone you’ve only met online without verifying their identity.
Unknown's avatar

Published by RJ Hamster

I was born on 6 August 1956 in San Francisco, California to Janet and (the late) Richard Hovis. I grew up in Santa Monica, California where I attended elementary, junior high school, and high school (graduating in 1974), in addition to involvement in sports and recreation (Little League +, the Boy’s Club ++). Further, it was in elementary school – St. Augustine’s By-the -Sea Parish School that I found, and made the choice to truly journey with God. I attended Arizona State University from 1974 to 1977 – seeking to become an architect, however, I was not accepted, and, as such, I graduated with a Liberal Arts degree. Upon graduation from Arizona State University, I attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and studied City and Regional Planning at the Master’s level. I successfully completed one (1) year in a two (2) year program – I did not complete the Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning – due to personal reasons. I returned to Santa Monica where I started (October 1979) my career as graphic designer with Exxon Company, USA. I spent five years with Exxon Company, USA. While working with Exxon Company, USA I was accepted into architectural school – Sci-Arc in Southern California, however, I did not attend preferring to stay with Exxon.. In 1982 I married Laura Flosi and in April 1983 we had our one and only child – Lauren Alain Hovis – a gift from God. We moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1984 from Los Angeles, where I went to work as a graphic designer with Kitchell CEM (from 1985 -1987). From 1987 – 1995 I was an independent contractor, and a registered representative in mortgage finance, financial management, graphic design, and drafting. Further, I attended the University of Phoenix and successfully obtained a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in 1982. I was also a member of the Scottsdale Jaycees, where I became very involved in community events and projects. In 1994, I accepted a cartography position with the Defense Mapping Agency in Reston, Virginia. As such, I relocated from Phoenix to Reston. In 1998, I was accepted and worked as a Visual Information Officer with the Central Intelligence Agency. In 2002, I worked as a Support Officer until my retirement (due to a need for shoulder surgery) in September 2018. Away from my Federal Government service, I have been involved in various organizations and activities in Northern Virginia. In November of 2011, I married Rebecca Ouellette in Santa Monica, California. I reside in San Tan Valley, AZ with my two hamster - Jess and Timothy, our fish, our lizard - RJ Lizard., and our cats - Pearl and Grey. As to hobbies, I enjoy playing sports, attending sporting events, mentoring individuals from financial management to hamsters, building models, photography, travel, multimedia design, managing partner for RJ Hamster, and jazz – smooth jazz to a samba or a bossa nova. Love and God Bless, Peter – aka RJ Hamster Jo hi

Leave a Comment