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New Social Security Scam Hits Midwest

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- There's a new scam in town and the crooks aren't using the Internet to get to their victims.

Carrie Resch of the Internal Revenue Service said it is not an online, anonymous scam. Instead the scammers work through churches, community centers and senior citizen groups, telling victims they're due a refund of withheld Social Security benefits.

"The scam began mostly in the Midwest; it has kind of ramped up here in Minnesota, especially in the Twin Cities," said Resch. "They are targeting people who don't normally have to file a tax return and what happens is that they charge you a fee to prepare the return."

Then, they make off with the fee.

WCCO's Steve Murphy Interviews Carrie Resch

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The IRS says taxpayers should be wary of any claims for refunds based on excess Social Security benefits.

Anyone with questions should visit IRS website, by clicking here.

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