Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance says Free Consumer Tax Help Available through IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service
March 22, 2016
Nashville, TN – With Tax Day only a month away, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs wants the public to know they have a voice at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
“For many, filing income taxes is a task that can be time-consuming and stressful,” TDCI Deputy Commissioner Bill Giannini said. “Our Consumer Affairs team and our partners with the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service remind Tennesseans that tax help is just a phone call away.” [Read more]
Tennessee Consumer Affairs says Don’t Let Scammers Steal Your Campaign Contribution
March 17, 2016
Nashville, TN – As the 2016 Presidential Campaign heats up, candidates will be soliciting Tennesseans for their financial support.
The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs warns consumers of scammers fraudulently soliciting political campaign donations during this Presidential Election year.
Consumer Affairs Provides Tips on Using Credit Cards Wisely
March 5, 2016
Nashville, TN – Many consumers will utilize credit cards at some point in their life. Despite the conveniences and advantages that credit cards may provide, there are risks associated with their use that may overwhelm consumers and have long-lasting negative effects.
Tips for Using Credit Cards Wisely
Avoid Fraud Related to “Tap-and-Pay” Mobile Phone Transactions
February 27, 2016
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs wants to educate consumers about ways to protect yourself against fraud related to mobile phone payments.
“The increased usage of technology is a double-edged sword,” TDCI Deputy Commissioner Bill Giannini said. “While technology allows greater consumer convenience, it also gives criminals greater opportunity to take advantage of hard-working Tennessee residents. We urge Tennesseans to take precautions to ensure they don’t become victims.”
“Tap-and-Pay” Mobile Phone payments can open consumers to criminals and fraudulent transactions.
Avoid the Hassle of Vehicle Damage this Winter
February 22, 2016
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs encourages consumers to plan ahead to avoid automotive damage that could result in costly repairs and sometimes difficult transactions with certain repair companies.
“The freezing temperatures, icy roads, and storm debris associated with winter weather can often lead to vehicle damage,” TDCI Deputy Commissioner Bill Giannini said. “Tennessee consumers can help themselves by planning ahead in order to avoid costly and time-consuming trips to repair shops.”
Tennessee Consumer Affairs advises consumers to plan ahead to avoid costly automotive repairs due to winter weather.
Consumer Affairs Releases Top 10 Imposter Scams of 2015 – See more at: https://www.tn.gov/news/23731#sthash.xTBBacj3.dpuf
January 30, 2016
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs wants to warn consumers about the most commonly reported imposter scams from 2015.
“Scammers often target consumers via email or phone calls,” TDCI Deputy Commissioner Bill Giannini said. “They use deceptive tactics to manipulate people into sending money or revealing sensitive data like Social Security numbers or banking information. Tennesseans should familiarize themselves with these tactics to avoid becoming a scam victim.”
Tennessee’s Consumer Affairs Division offers Tips for Avoiding Tax Return Preparer Fraud
January 29, 2016
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs is offering consumers tips to avoid tax return preparer fraud. Although Tax Day isn’t until April 18th, the Division encourages you to file early and vet your tax preparer to avoid fraud.
“If you decide to have a tax return preparer prepare and file your income tax return, it is important to choose that person carefully,” TDCI Deputy Commissioner Bill Giannini said. “Finding a qualified professional takes a little planning and some research, but remember, you are responsible for everything on your return, even when someone else prepares it.
Research and Select Qualified Professionals Only
Tennessee Consumer Affairs Offers Tips on Selecting Contractors
January 5, 2016
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs is warning consumers about contractors making door-to-door or telephone solicitations offering to renovate or repair your home.
Often these contractors are high-pressure salespersons seeking to convince homeowners to sign a contract, and then they hire inexperienced, unlicensed individuals as “subcontractors.”
Tennessee Consumer Affairs says be careful when selecting a contractor for home repair or improvement.
Tennessee Consumer Affairs says be wary of Holiday Scams
December 24, 2015
Nashville, TN – Don’t let scammers steal the joy from your holiday season.
The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs urges consumers to be wary of holiday-themed scams during this season of giving. [Read more]
Consumer Affairs Offers ID Theft Prevention Tips for Seniors
December 19, 2015
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Consumer Affairs Division is warning senior adults to be diligent in avoiding scams.
Tennesseans are encouraged to take time during holiday visits to ensure senior relatives and neighbors are equipped to protect themselves against identity fraud.
