Category Archives: Scams

As Relieable as You Might Have Thought

Posted on October 9, 2016 by Russ

That is not a typographical error in the headline. Yes, I meant to type, “Relieable.” Why? Because of a story of a Tampa, Florida tax professional who was as relieable, err, reliable as the headline. Donna Demps was found guilty … Continue reading →

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A New Scam: Mailed “IRS” Notices

Posted on September 20, 2016 by Russ

Something else to be wary of: Imitation IRS notices. Today I saw an “IRS” notice that looked almost real. The notice had the normal headers, and the terminology was just about right. The notice was supposedly from the Austin Service … Continue reading →

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Individual F: Has Kermit Washington Fouled Out?

Posted on May 25, 2016 by Russ

Yesterday I wrote about the guilty plea of former San Diego Charger Ron Mix; today, the other shoe dropped. “Individual F,” as former NBA basketball player Kermit Washington was called in the Mix indictment, was arrested on charges of corrupt … Continue reading →

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Mix Sacked: From Hall of Fame to ClubFed?

Posted on May 24, 2016 by Russ

Ron Mix is in the NFL Hall of Fame for his play as an offensive lineman for the San Diego Chargers. He was nicknamed the “Intellectual Assassin” for the combination of his physical play and his law degree. Mr. Mix’s … Continue reading →

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A Pseudo New Nominee for Tax Offender of the Year

Posted on August 13, 2015 by Russ

Well, he probably can’t win my coveted award of Tax Offender of the Year as the alleged crimes have nothing to do with tax. However, the alleged perpetrator is a tax attorney, so there is at least some relation to … Continue reading →

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Criminal Charges Dropped Against Roni Deutch

Posted on August 8, 2015 by Russ

Back in 2009, the law firm of Roni Deutch was a huge deal. She was the “Tax Lady,” and her face and advertisements were plastered all over television. Then she was sued by the state of California. And then came … Continue reading →

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The Scamsters Haven’t Stopped

Posted on May 1, 2014 by Russ

One of my clients called me first thing this morning (we’ll call him Joe from Richmond, Virginia; all names and cities have been changed to protect the innocent and guilty). Joe said he got a phone call from David. David … Continue reading →

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Accountant Who Solicited Hit Man Pleads Guilty

Posted on August 12, 2012 by Russ

Back in March I reported on Steven Martinez. Mr. Martinez is a tax preparer who faced charges of stealing $11 million from clients. He decided that the best strategy to fight this charge wasn’t hiring a good attorney, nor was … Continue reading →

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Hatch Finds a Job! (But Buyer Beware: Firm Linked to Roni Deutch & Another Accused Attorney)

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Russ

Congratulations to Richard Hatch, winner of the first Survivor and my favorite tax-challenged celebrity. Courtesy of Kelly Erb we find out that Mr. Hatch now has a job. Yes, it appears to be another penny on the dollars firm. If … Continue reading →

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The Dirty Dozen

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Russ

It’s time for the Dirty Dozen. No, not the movie; rather, the IRS’ annual listing of the worst tax scams. On top of the IRS’ list is identity theft. It is a major problem, and the IRS is trying to … Continue reading →

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