This week is National Consumer Protection week, and as we enter the middle of tax season, I want to stress the importance of being aware about the potential threat of tax-related identity theft. It recently came to my attention that there has been an increase in the number of Nevadans being targeted by criminals intending to steal money and personal information. I cannot stress enough how critical it is for taxpayers to be wary of unsolicited calls from criminals claiming to be IRS employees.
I will continue to do everything possible to put an end to these threatening and aggressive scams.
To help identify these calls, below are five indications of a phone scam. According to the IRS, the IRS will never:
- Call to demand immediate payment, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill.
- Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.
- Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.
- Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
- Threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.
While these scams are heightened around tax time, it’s important to stay alert and remember that tax scams can happen any time of the year. For more information visit:
Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts.
In the Second District
This week, the House was in recess and I was home to hear from you and other constituents. Here are some of the Nevadans I met with:
Nevada Home Builders Association
We discussed their latest initiatives and the important work they’re doing to enhance Nevada’s community development needs.
Truckee Meadows Community College
I enjoyed having the opportunity to meet with an American Government class this week. I received a number of great questions from students, including how I became involved in public service. I was impressed by their civic knowledge and interest in the Federal Government.
High School Congressional Art Competition
I am excited to announce the commencement of the 2016 Congressional Art Competition. Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in each congressional district of our nation. Students will have the opportunity to submit their original works of art to my Reno or Elko office no later than
Friday, April 22, 2016. To be considered for selection, submissions must be no larger than 28 inches wide by 28 inches tall by 4 inches deep, and must weigh no more than 15 pounds, including the frame. Submissions must also be two-dimensional and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws. All students must be in high school to participate. Click
here for more information.
In Case You Missed It:
This week I joined talk radio host Kevin Wall on 790 Talk Now. We discussed what I'm hearing from Nevadans and the work I'm tacking in Congress to best serve Nevada.
For additional information, please visit my website at amodei.house.gov or call my Washington office: (202) 225-6155, Reno office: (775) 686-5760 or Elko office: (775) 777-7705. To receive updates on what I am doing in Washington and in Nevada’s 2nd District follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube.
