Better Business Bureau shares warning on tax preparer fraud ahead of filing deadline

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Taxpayers are being urged to exercise caution as reports of "ghost" tax preparers continue to surface. These individuals offer tax services without certification and often fail to sign the returns they prepare.

We were joined by Andy Ketchum of the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau on Monday, April 7 to discuss the issue.

Officials advise confirming that preparers have valid credentials, including a Preparer Tax Identification Number. Any preparer refusing to sign a return should raise concern. Taxpayers are also encouraged to avoid refund arrangements involving third-party accounts and to thoroughly review all documents before submission.

Complaints involving deceptive practices can be reported to the Better Business Bureau or submitted through its Scam Tracker platform.