Cohen & Scott Call for Investigation of Tax Preparation Scams

February 8, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) today joined with Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA) in sending a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder calling for an investigation into alleged fraudulent and criminal actions of the “Mo Money Taxes” operation in Memphis, Tennessee and Norfolk, Virginia. Congressman Cohen said there have been numerous complaints of alleged tax preparation scams and delayed tax refund returns in Memphis.

“Tax season is here and Memphians must be aware of tax preparation scams,” said Congressman Cohen. “Numerous complaints have been circulating throughout the city about possible scams and delayed tax refund returns. The Attorney General and the Department of Justice should look into these disturbing allegations as quickly as possible. And I urge Memphians to visit the IRS’ website at www.irs.gov to learn about the IRS Free File service or to get a list of IRS-approved Free File companies. A list of free tax assistance sites can also be found on the Memphis Public Library website. These are tough economic times and Memphians should be diligent about how they file their tax returns and who they trust to help them.”

A copy of the letter Congressmen Cohen and Scott sent to Attorney General Holder follows:

The Honorable Eric Holder

Attorney General of the United States

Dear General Holder,

We write to ask for an immediate investigation and all other appropriate actions by your office to address the apparently fraudulent and criminal actions of the “Mo Money Taxes” operation in Norfolk, Virginia and vicinity, and in Memphis, Tennessee and vicinity. Complaints by many who recently obtained the help of Mo Money Taxes in filing their returns range from lack of information as to the status of their returns to outright fraudulent filings and bounced checks issued for refunds due filers. The full extent of the problem is not known, but as attached news reports reflect, hundreds of people have been victimized.

Your earliest attention to this serious and growing problem would be appreciated.

Very truly yours,

Robert C. “Bobby” Scott Steve Cohen

Member of Congress Member of Congress

MEMPHIS

Customer: Mo'Money Taxes wrote bad refund check

https://www.wmctv.com/story/16697978/customer-momoney-taxes-wrote-bad-refund-check

Once again, it's on: Mo' Money Taxes customers unhappy

https://www.wmctv.com/story/16677522/mo-money-taxes-addresses-complaints-at-press-conference

Previously Sued Mo' Money Taxes Keeps Customers Waiting

https://www.wreg.com/news/wreg-previously-sued-mo-money-taxes-keeps-customers-waiting-20120201,0,6735023.story

No Money, Mo' Problems at Mo' Money Taxes