SC.GOV: The Official Web site of the State of South Carolina

SPECIAL AFTER HOURS SESSION TO DISCUSS TAX SCAMS AND REFUNDS

Columbia, SC… … The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) will present a special session of "Tax Scams:  Refund Anticipation Loans and More!"  As part of the monthly "After Hours" series, the seminar is designed to inform consumers about rapid refund or tax refund anticipation loans.  The special session will be held on Tuesday, February 6th from 12:30-1:30 p.m. and 5:45-6:45 p.m. on the second floor of SCDCA located at 3600 Forest Drive in Columbia. Participants attending the afternoon session are invited to bring their lunch.

Some commercial tax preparation firms and banks offer tax refund anticipation loans to people who want to receive their refund early. "Tax Scams:  Refund Anticipation Loans and More!" will caution consumers about rapid refunds and provide options to avoid unnecessary fees.  The seminar will also address tax scams, including scammers who try to convince consumers that a loophole in the Constitution makes tax paying a voluntary act.  Consumers should also be aware of dishonest tax preparers who look to steal consumers' tax returns.  "Unfortunately, consumers trying to get their tax returns fast or using a third party to prepare their taxes can become victims of fraud. Consumer should take enough time to read the fine print and think," said Donna DeMichael, SCDCA Director of Consumer Services & Education.

SCDCA "After Hours" is a monthly public information session held on the third Tuesday of each month. For more information, contact the SCDCA Public Information Division at 803.734.4190, toll-free in SC at 1.800.922.1594 or online at http://www.scconsumer.gov/.