If you are thinking about donating your car for a credit on your 2020 income tax, think carefully before you donate to a heavily-advertised group which may not be what it seems. Kars4Kids gets low ratings from charity watchdogs for its costly advertising and for "disguising the purpose" of donations, and has been investigated by the Attorneys-General of several … [Read more...] about Scam Alert: Kars4Kids
Scam Alert
Scam Alert: Tax Preparation Services
Scam Alert: April 15 will be here before you know it. NYC is one of the few cities with a Bill of Rights regarding tax preparation services. Protect yourself from fraud, identity theft, and unnecessary costs by knowing your rights, which includes receiving a copy of the rules before beginning any discussion with a tax preparation service. These are smart rules to … [Read more...] about Scam Alert: Tax Preparation Services
How to Get a FREE Credit Report
A credit report is one of the best ways to get a comprehensive look at your credit history, including to monitor for potential identity theft, even discover accounts you thought were closed that are still open. We consumers now have the right to get a FREE credit report every week, through April 2021. It's a good idea to do now, as you are working on your 2020 federal … [Read more...] about How to Get a FREE Credit Report
Coronavirus and Stimulus Scams to Avoid
An emergency such as the Coronavirus pandemic, and emergency payments such as Stimulus checks, bring out the best in most of us. Unfortunately, it brings out the worst in others. Bad guys are multiplying like a virus to take advantage of the headlines to prey on the frightened and the unsuspecting. Seniors especially are being targeted. Beware of … [Read more...] about Coronavirus and Stimulus Scams to Avoid
Scam Alert: Bogus Health Screening Emails
Our health is on our minds these days, and the scammers are coming out of the woodwork to take advantage of that, especially scams aimed at seniors and others living alone. Avoid health care scams that arrive in your inbox or on your phone. I've been receiving scam emails lately that are supposedly from one health care service, but really are not. Maybe you … [Read more...] about Scam Alert: Bogus Health Screening Emails
When to Expect Your $600 Stimulus Check. Your Questions Answered
Now that the Pandemic Relief Bill has been signed into law, the two top questions are how much you will get and when. Basically - Eligible taxpayers and dependents get $600 each. While some lucky people already are receiving their stimulus checks, most of us will have to wait until at least mid-January before the money is direct deposited into your bank account, … [Read more...] about When to Expect Your $600 Stimulus Check. Your Questions Answered
FREE Document Shredding at Staples
Protect yourself from identity theft and shred important tax documents. Staples is offering FREE bulk shredding of up to five pounds of documents. Your 2019 taxes are due today, July 15, so take advantage of this offer as you find old financial documents you no longer need. It's better to shred them than toss them. According to the IRS, tax returns and all … [Read more...] about FREE Document Shredding at Staples
Tax Refund & Stimulus Scams to Avoid
Scam alert: Beware of tax refund and stimulus scams that could cost you the money to which you are entitled. Stimulus checks of up to $1,200 are being sent now. And the April 15 tax filing deadline has been moved to July 15 this year, which also gives the fraudsters behind tax refund scams another 90 days, too. Beware of scams via email, text or phone by scammers claiming … [Read more...] about Tax Refund & Stimulus Scams to Avoid
NYC Free: IRS Tax Prep and Filing at NYPL
April 15th will be here before you know it. Once again in 2020, you can get FREE assistance with filing your taxes through April 15th at The New York Public Library (NYPL) neighborhood branches throughout Manhattan, Bronx and Staten Island, from AARP volunteers certified by the IRS. The FREE tax prep service is open to anybody, whether or not you are 50+ and … [Read more...] about NYC Free: IRS Tax Prep and Filing at NYPL
Scam Alert: Times Square New Year’s Eve Parties
Scam Alert: Don't get ripped off by bogus Multiple Venue/Pay-One-Price/All Access passes for New Year's Eve parties and events around Times Square. You are not likely to get past NYPD security lines to get to more than just one event on the list, and since these passes are probably counterfeit, you'll be turned away at the event door. Do not end 2019 and start 2020 be … [Read more...] about Scam Alert: Times Square New Year’s Eve Parties
