The Rhode Island Division of Taxation cautions Rhode Island business owners about a scam in which individuals claim to be collections agents of the Rhode Island Division of Taxation and request …
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The Rhode Island Division of Taxation cautions Rhode Island business owners about a scam in which individuals claim to be collections agents of the Rhode Island Division of Taxation and request immediate payment. The Division of Taxation does not request cash or other payment by businesses upon demand by visiting businesses in person.
The Division of Taxation has temporarily ceased any in-person collection activity in response to this scam.
Previously, the Division facilitated the expedited removal of sales tax permit blocks by requesting in-person returns and payments by check only.
A business owner in Providence notified the Division of Taxation this week that someone claiming to be from the Division entered a Providence Manton Avenue neighborhood store and demanded a cash payment for overdue taxes. Division of Taxation employees who do visit businesses in the ordinary course of their duties will never ask for cash payments to satisfy outstanding tax bills. The Division is also aware that another Providence business owner may have been approached and may have paid the individual.
Anyone approached by a person claiming to be from the Division of Taxation who asks for money should contact the Division at 574-8829 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. business days; the Consumer Protection Unit at the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office at 274-4400, or email at consumers@riag.ri.gov; or State Police Capt. Matthew Moynihan at 444-1012, and the local police department.
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richardcorrente
Folks,
As a mortgage banker I view credit reports every day of people who have been scammed in this way.
Here is what I recommend.
First: ALWAYS get the callers name and phone number. Then call them back to make sure you can (or the police can) reach them if necessary.
Second: NEVER give your personal info such as your social security number.
Third: Never EVER give anyone cash. EVER!
This is no guarantee that you will be safe but it will make you "safer".
Happy St. Patrick's Day
Richard Corrente
Democrat for Mayor
Thursday, March 17, 2016 Report this