News You Ought to Know
Internal Revenue Service
Gift cards are not for paying taxes
TX-2019-20
DALLAS – Gift cards may be a popular holiday gift for family and friends, but don’t be tricked into believing they are a way to pay taxes. During National Tax Security Awareness Week, the IRS urges taxpayers to protect themselves from fraud. Thousands of people have lost millions of dollars and their personal information to tax scams. Scammers use the regular mail, telephone, or email to deceive individuals, businesses, payroll and tax professionals.
“The IRS doesn’t call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer,” said Clay Sanford, an IRS spokesman. “Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes.”
Many taxpayers have encountered individuals impersonating IRS officials – in person, over the telephone and via email. Don’t get scammed. The IRS initiates most contacts through regular mail delivered by the United States Postal Service. However, there are special circumstances in which the IRS will call or come to a home or business, such as when a taxpayer has an overdue tax bill. See Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts on IRS.gov for more details.
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BBB Warns Consumers to Beware of Home and Vacation Rental Scams this Holiday
Better Business Bureau serving North Central Texas, in conjunction with BBB offices in five other states, is having a press event on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, at 11:00 a.m.
Consumers will be warned when looking to move into a new apartment or home for rent about how to avoid fake listings. They will also provide insight into how to spot spoofed travel websites, spoofed ads for travel (especially on social media), and fake vacation rental postings. 5.2 Million people have lost money to a rental scam and the BBB believe that over 40% of those searching will encounter a fake listing at some point.
Representatives from the Federal Trade Commission and the Dallas Association of Real Estate Brokers have already agreed to participate.
Details
WHERE: BBB Serving North Central Texas – Dallas Office
Thanksgiving Tower
1601 Elm Street
Suite 1600
Dallas, Texas 75201
Parking will be validated for participants. Light refreshments will be served.
WHY: Anyone doing an internet search to locate a place to rent is at risk of encountering a fraudulent listing. The hardest hit are repeat travelers during peak traveling season and those of modest means that don’t use traditional methods of booking/securing rentals.
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| Long Middle School teacher surprised with “Oscars of Teaching” award, and $25,000 check
DALLAS — J.L. Long Middle School dual language teacher Susan Moreno was noticeably stunned as an auditorium full of news cameras, students, Dallas ISD and state leaders suddenly turned their attention to her. Jane Foley, the senior vice president of the Milken Educator Awards, just announced that Moreno is a recipient of the national award known as the “Oscars of Teaching.” Moreno had no idea she was going to win the award that comes with a $25,000 prize. “This is unbelievable,” Moreno said as she walked down the auditorium aisle to receive her award. Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath joined Dallas ISD and state leaders at Long Middle School for the big surprise. Prior to the surprise announcement, Morath commended the great work teachers are doing at Long Middle School and across Dallas ISD. “For all of the many gifts you have been given in life, for you to devote yourself in this profession and to answer this call, I am so deeply appreciative for what you do for our kids every day,” Morath said. Milken Educators are selected in early to mid-career for what they have achieved and for the promise of what they will accomplish. In addition to the $25,000 prize and public recognition, the honor includes membership in the National Milken Educator Network, a group of more than 2,700 top teachers, principals, and specialists dedicated to strengthening education. The Milken Educator Award is completely unique: Educators cannot apply for this recognition and do not even know they are under consideration. Candidates are sourced through a confidential selection process and then are reviewed by blue ribbon panels appointed by state departments of education. Those most exceptional are recommended for the award, with final selection made by the Milken Family Foundation. After winning the award, Moreno thanked her fellow teachers and school administrators who have supported her every step along the way. “I’ve been here the last six years because I believe in this school and I believe in my students and all the students at J.L. Long,” she said. “I am deeply appreciative, and in complete disbelief, of this honor.” |
