This Element is an excerpt from The Truth About Avoiding Scams (9780132333856) by Steve Weisman. Available in print and digital formats.

“Too good to be true” income tax scams that can lead you to disaster--and sometimes even to prison!

Unfortunately, the almost universal desire to avoid paying income taxes can be exploited by con men. There also are some people who believe that the federal income tax itself is a scam. This belief is also used by con artists. Even our fear of the IRS and our desire to follow their rules can be used against us....