The Coalition That's Taking On Tax Scams: Introducing CASST
You know those annoying scam calls that always seem to hit right when you’re trying to enjoy dinner? Yeah, the tax industry gets those too—but on a much larger, more dangerous scale. Enter the Coalition Against Scam and Scheme Threats (CASST), a powerhouse alliance formed to battle the increasing waves of tax-related scams. CASST is a collaborative effort uniting some of the biggest names in the tax industry with state and federal tax agencies. Their mission? To make tax filing safer for everyone.
Why CASST Matters
Scams targeting taxpayers are evolving every day, becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. CASST brings together the private sector and government agencies like the IRS to share expertise, develop actionable fraud-fighting tools, and set professional standards to keep fraudsters at bay.
Who’s Onboard?
Here’s a look at some of the key players who have joined forces under CASST:
- National Association of Computerized Tax Processors (NACTP): For 55 years, NACTP has worked alongside the IRS to streamline tax filing. With CASST, they’re focusing on building even stronger fraud defenses.
- Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA): Known for their advocacy against identity theft, the AICPA is now using that experience to protect taxpayers from a growing wave of tax scams.
- Intuit: The makers of TurboTax are using cutting-edge technology to fight fraud. Through CASST, they’re working to educate taxpayers on avoiding scams and enhancing the security of the tax system.
- H&R Block: With a longstanding commitment to protecting their clients, H&R Block is actively participating in CASST to tackle tax scams that have become a systemic issue.
- Jackson Hewitt Tax Service: Faced with increasingly sophisticated scams, Jackson Hewitt is stepping up through CASST to make tax filing safer and less stressful for everyone.
A Unified Approach to Fighting Fraud
CASST isn't just about big names; it’s about a united effort to keep your hard-earned money safe. By collaborating, these organizations aim to detect and prevent scams before they can do serious damage. They’re also focused on educating the public, so you know what to look out for.
What You Can Do
While CASST is hard at work developing strategies to protect you, your awareness is the first line of defense. Here are some quick tips to stay safe:
- Verify Before You Trust: Always double-check the legitimacy of any communication claiming to be from the IRS or a tax professional.
- Guard Your Personal Info: Never give out sensitive information like your Social Security number over the phone or email unless you're sure of the recipient’s identity.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a scam, report it to the authorities. In the U.S., you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
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