Media contacts:        
Rich Luchette: (216) 797-0931 or rluchette@cuyahogacounty.us 




CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald and Director of Consumer Affairs Cindy Sich today kicked off the "Fighting Tax Predators" initiative to provide constituents with the resources they need to identify and report suspected tax scams.

"Unfortunately, each tax season brings along new cases of people trying to manipulate the system for their own personal profit," said FitzGerald. "It’s critical that we make sure Cuyahoga County residents are able to identify possible tax scams, protect their own personal information, and notify the proper authorities."

Last year, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration reported that the IRS paid out $3.6 billion in fraudulent tax returns to identity thieves. A single address in Bulgaria was listed on more than 700 tax returns and reportedly received $490,000 from the federal government.

As part of his ongoing effort to provide quality, effective services for constituents, FitzGerald launched the "Fighting Tax Predators" initiative to protect Cuyahoga County residents from becoming victims. By visiting www.cuyahogacounty.us/StopTaxScams, Internet users can learn more information about potential scams.

In addition, constituents are encouraged to call the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs at (216) 443-7010 to report possible fraud or learn more about available resources. 

Download the complete PDF for the view 5 Common  Types of Tax Season Scams