Scam watch: Tax refunds, text messages, American Express emails

Here is a roundup of alleged cons, frauds and schemes to watch out for.

Tax refunds – Special agents with the Internal Revenue Service have arrested a former H&R Block Inc. manager who allegedly used tax clients’ personal information to file false returns in their names and steal their refunds. Damon Charles Dubose, 38, who worked at the H&R Block in Van Nuys, was arrested Thursday, the IRS said in a news release. The IRS said Dubose used H&R Block “emerald cards,” similar to debit cards, to claim refunds at ATMs. Dubose, who pleaded not guilty, is free on bond.

Text messages – Cellphone users from across the United States have reported receiving unsolicited text messages that claim to be from Walmart. The texts tell consumers they’ve won a free gift card and provide a link to follow to claim the supposed prize. Instead, there is no gift card and the link is an attempt to steal victims’ credit card numbers and other personal information, the Better Business Bureau said in a recent bulletin.

American Express emails – The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a new scam centered on emails that appear to come from American Express but actually are attempts to install viruses on victims’ computers. The message provides recipients with a link to click to update their email address. Anyone who clicks the link will be directed to a website that downloads a virus onto victims’ computers, the BBB said. Consumers should delete the email and refrain from following links contained in unsolicited emails, the BBB said.

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