For Immediate Release: February 24, 2015
February Hot Topics:
- Thinking About Buying a Car with Your Tax Return? BBB Offers These Tips.
- Get a Call From The IRS? Think Twice Before You Answer.
Thinking About Buying a Car with Your Tax Return? BBB Offers These Tips.
Spring is right around the corner and you may be thinking about the money you will receive from a tax return. If you’re considering buying a used car, there are several things to keep in mind before buying a used car in “as is” condition. When starting your search for a used vehicle, think about how long you plan to have the car and if there are certain features you desire to have. Be sure to check out the car dealer at bbb.org/indy before you purchase the vehicle, and you can always find BBB Accredited Used Car Dealers here.
Once you have found the car you want to buy, and before you sign a contract, be sure to:
- Take the car to your local mechanic and test drive the vehicle.
- Ask the dealer for a report on the vehicle’s history from CarFax or AutoCheck. Most reputable dealers are willing to provide this and it can reveal past incidents.
- Check to be sure the verbal promises made to you are also written in the contract.
If you buy a vehicle “as is”, you do not have a 3 or 30 day cancellation period unless specified in the signed contract. When you buy the car “as is”, this means you have accepted the vehicle in its current condition and the company who sold the car is not liable for any repair work after the purchase. If the vehicle becomes inoperable, the company does not have to issue a refund or an exchange.
If you have a question about a company or want to find an Accredited Business you can trust, visit BBB’s website at: bbb.org/indy/
Get a Call From The IRS? Think Twice Before You Answer.
With tax season in full swing, schemers are at it again! Watch out for the IRS phone scheme. According to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, since October 2013, nearly 3,000 victims have paid over $14 million in this IRS scam by sending money through prepaid debit cards. Here’s what you need to know so you don’t fall victim to this scam.
Here is how it works:
People claiming to work for the IRS call taxpayers and demand they pay money on their taxes by only accepting certain payments such as loading money onto a prepaid card or sending money through wire transfer services. If you don’t pay, these “IRS contacts” claim you will be thrown in jail or that they will come to your home or take your driver’s license.
Here is what you should know about the IRS:
- The IRS will not demand payment immediately.
- You will receive a bill in the mail before you ever receive a call.
- The IRS will give you the chance to question the amount owed or allow you to appeal.
- The IRS will not require you use a certain payment method such as a prepaid debit card.
- The IRS will not ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
- The IRS will not bring in other groups to arrest you for not paying.
The IRS gives these tips on who to call if you receive a suspicious call. If you think you owe money call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. If you know for sure you don’t owe money to the IRS, report the call to TIGTA at 1-800-366-4484 and also file with the FTC on their website at FTC Complaint Assistant.
As a reminder, don’t give out your credit card or personal information over the phone to people you don’t know. BBB Serving Central Indiana encourages you to sign up for the Indiana Do Not Call List. The list will be updated at the beginning of April by calling 1.888.834.9969 or filling out this form.
If you have a question about a company or want to find an Accredited Business you can trust, visit BBB’s website at: bbb.org/indy/
Media Contacts:
For Interviews: Tim Maniscalo, President & CEO BBB Serving Central Indiana – 317-488-2202 (Work) or 317-550-8696 (Cell); TManiscalo@indybbb.org
For General Information: Deidra Colvin, Senior Vice President & COO BBB Serving Central Indiana – 317-488-2201 or DColvin@indybbb.org