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news9.com
· 2025-12-08
A nationwide "smishing" scam impersonates the E-ZPass toll collection system, sending text messages claiming unpaid toll balances or violations and demanding payment within 12-24 hours to avoid DMV reporting and late fees. The fraudulent texts contain malicious links designed to steal personal information or money from victims across multiple states. To protect themselves, recipients should verify suspicious messages through official agency websites, avoid clicking unknown links, and report scam texts as spam; imposter scams collectively cost Americans nearly $3 billion in 2023.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
Sextortion scams targeting U.S. residents increased 137% in early 2025, leveraging AI-generated deepfake images, stolen passwords from data breaches, and personal information available on the dark web to create highly personalized and threatening extortion demands. Cybercriminals are using sophisticated tactics including fake explicit photos, threatening messages containing victims' real addresses obtained via Google Maps, and demanding Bitcoin payments, with over 15,000 unique Bitcoin wallets identified in one variant of the scheme. Security experts advise victims not to pay ransom or engage with scammers, to enable multi-factor authentication, use password managers, monitor dark web exposure, and report incidents to the FBI
newsroom.gendigital.com
· 2025-12-08
Sextortion scams targeting U.S. residents have surged 137% in 2025, with cybercriminals using AI-generated deepfakes, stolen passwords from data breaches, and personalized information including home addresses and photos obtained via Google Maps to threaten victims into paying ransom. Experts at Avast identified over 15,000 Bitcoin wallets associated with these scams and recommend victims never pay demands, report incidents to the FBI or IC3, enable multi-factor authentication, and use password managers and dark web monitoring services to protect themselves.
fox9.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating MnDOT and E-ZPass through fraudulent text messages claiming recipients have unpaid tolls or violations, requesting personal information or payments via suspicious links. MnDOT emphasizes that it never requests personal or sensitive information via text or email, and advises recipients to delete suspicious messages and report the scam to local police, the FBI's internet crime complaint center, or the Federal Trade Commission.
azdot.gov
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending text messages claiming to be from "AZDOT" demanding payment for overdue tolls, a "smishing" attack exploiting social engineering tactics. The scam is fake because Arizona has no toll roads, the phone number originates from another country, and the website domain contains red flags; recipients should delete the message, avoid clicking links, and report it to the FTC or FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
wvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
West Virginians reported over $27 million in fraud losses in 2024, according to the Federal Trade Commission, as scams continue to rise across the state through phone calls, emails, and text messages. The article outlines common scam tactics including IRS/Social Security impersonation, romance scams, tech support scams, and phishing emails, and advises consumers to watch for red flags such as urgent language, requests for payment via gift cards or wire transfers, and unfamiliar contact information. Key protective measures include not answering unknown numbers, never clicking suspicious links, verifying charities before donating, and reporting suspected scams to authorities.
wwltv.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax season presents heightened fraud risks, with scammers using common tactics like phishing emails, threatening phone calls impersonating the IRS, and "ghost" tax preparers who file fraudulent returns with inflated deductions to steal refunds. Experts warn that recent IRS workforce cuts may make scammers' false claims about "new filing methods" more convincing while simultaneously reducing the agency's ability to quickly respond to and remove fraudulent websites or investigate scam reports. Key warning signs include urgency, threats, promises of large payouts, and suspicious links—and consumers should only contact the IRS through official channels and use accredited tax professionals.
newswest9.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax season presents heightened fraud risks as scammers exploit uncertainty surrounding recent IRS workforce cuts to impersonate the agency and steal personal information and money through phishing emails, texts, fake refund promises, and fraudulent tax preparers. Common red flags include urgent language, threats, promises of large payoffs, and suspicious links; the IRS warns it never initiates contact via email or text and urges consumers to use only accredited tax professionals and report suspected scams. Experts caution that reduced IRS staffing could slow response times to fraud reports and allow malicious websites and predatory campaigns to remain active longer, creating an increased risk environment for taxpayers.
wlrn.org
· 2025-12-08
Florida ranked as the number one state for fraud according to a Federal Trade Commission report, with $866 million in reported losses last year, and South Florida leading the nation with over 171,000 fraud reports. Romance scams were the most costly scheme, causing $89 million in losses to Floridians, followed by job and real estate scams. A Miramar woman was sentenced to 30 months in prison in January for laundering nearly $3 million from romance scams.
newscentermaine.com
· 2025-12-08
A Cumberland, Maine woman lost $100,000 to a sophisticated scam that began with a phishing email giving scammers remote computer access, followed by an impersonator claiming to be a Microsoft employee who convinced her to convert her savings into gold bars that were later picked up by a fake courier. Police arrested 44-year-old Zhangqi Xie of New York and charged him with Theft by Deception, while warning the public never to exchange money for gold, bitcoin, or gift cards based on unsolicited communications and to avoid opening suspicious email attachments.
theglobeandmail.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax season presents heightened fraud risks, with scammers using common tactics like phishing emails, threatening phone calls impersonating the IRS, and fake tax preparers who file fraudulent returns to steal refunds. Recent IRS workforce cuts may amplify these threats by creating uncertainty that scammers exploit and reducing the agency's capacity to respond to reported fraud. Experts recommend consumers watch for red flags such as urgency, threats, suspicious links, and promises of inflated refunds, while using only trusted tax professionals and reporting scams directly to the IRS.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI issued a warning about criminals using fake online document converter websites to infect users' computers with malware and ransomware by mimicking legitimate URLs with slight variations. These fraudulent converters, including sites like convertix-api.xyz and convertallfiles.com, exploit users searching for free file conversion tools and may have been linked to a February ransomware attack on Lee Enterprises, a media company operating outlets across 70 U.S. markets. The FBI recommends avoiding free online document converters entirely and instead using established apps and platforms, while being vigilant about checking URLs and avoiding paid search results.
irs.gov
· 2025-12-08
The IRS has released its 2025 "Dirty Dozen" list of common tax scams, which includes email phishing schemes, fraudulent tax credits, misleading social media advice, fake charities, and overstated withholding scams that operate throughout the year to steal money and personal information. The agency urges taxpayers to report any tax scheme promoters and return preparers who knowingly file improper returns.
zdnet.com
· 2025-12-08
A widespread "smishing scam" has targeted over 60,000 Americans with fraudulent text messages claiming unpaid E-ZPass tolls, urging recipients to click links to malicious sites; the scam originates from Chinese-speaking cybercriminals selling phishing kits on Telegram to steal credit card and personal information. Red flags include suspicious shortened URLs, misspelled words, threatening language about license suspension, demands for small payment amounts, and sender numbers with +63 (Philippines) country codes. Victims should not click links, report messages as spam, and if they've already shared payment information, immediately contact banks to freeze accounts and freeze credit to prevent identity theft.
clickorlando.com
· 2025-12-08
IRS impersonation scams targeting seniors have become the most common senior fraud scheme, with scammers using spoofed caller IDs to pose as IRS officials and pressure victims into immediate payments for alleged tax debt. According to former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, seniors over 60 lost $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023, with these scams intensifying during tax season. The IRS never initiates contact by phone, text, or email, and legitimate tax notices always arrive by mail first—knowing this distinction is key to avoiding these fraudulent schemes.
dallasnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This article explores "scam baiting"—a relatively new practice where individuals waste scammers' time through various tactics to prevent them from targeting victims. The piece profiles prominent baiters like Kitboga and Pierogi, who have built lucrative YouTube careers (millions of views) exposing scammers through entertaining videos, and now offer protective tools like Seraph Secure software to help people avoid online fraud.
msutoday.msu.edu
· 2025-12-08
Global cybercrime cost nearly $10 trillion in the previous year and is expected to rise in 2025, with scammers increasingly targeting everyday people through common fraud schemes. Michigan State University experts highlight three major scam types: package delay scams (smishing texts impersonating delivery services), romance fraud (building fake emotional relationships to extract money), and other cyber threats, offering guidance on protection strategies such as verifying official websites and recognizing common fraudster tactics like fake military profiles or stolen social media images.
mcknightsseniorliving.com
· 2025-12-08
According to the FTC's 2024 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book, while younger people (ages 20-29) report fraud more frequently than seniors, adults aged 70 and older experience significantly higher median losses, with those 80+ losing a median of $1,650 per incident and seniors collectively losing $2.3 billion in 2024. Overall fraud losses in the United States reached $12.5 billion in 2024 (a 25% increase from 2023), with business imposters and government imposters being the most common scams targeting older adults, followed by tech support and lottery scams.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS has warned Americans about tax scams targeting older adults that surge during filing season, with IRS impersonation being the most common fraud type. Scammers pose as government agencies or tax professionals using spoofed caller IDs and high-pressure tactics demanding untraceable payments (cryptocurrency, gift cards, wire transfers), with adults aged 65-74 most frequently targeted; a McAfee survey found 48 percent of Americans received fake IRS messages, and 79 percent of those experienced collection attempts or threats. The IRS clarified it will never demand immediate payment via prepaid cards, threaten arrest, or request sensitive financial information by phone, and warns that AI-enhanced deep
11alive.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax season fraud is escalating, with scammers using common tactics like phishing emails, threatening calls impersonating the IRS, and fake tax preparers who file fraudulent returns with inflated deductions to steal refunds. This year, criminals are exploiting uncertainty from recent IRS workforce cuts—both to impersonate the agency with false filing claims and because reduced IRS staffing may slow response times to reported scams and takedown of malicious websites. Consumers are advised to watch for red flags including urgency, threats, suspicious links, and promises of large payouts, and to only use accredited tax professionals.
kiplinger.com
· 2025-12-08
A "smishing" scam has spread across multiple states for over a year, with scammers sending text messages claiming recipients owe small toll amounts (e.g., $12.51) and directing them to fake E-ZPass websites to pay outstanding balances. Clicking the malicious links can expose victims to identity theft, unauthorized credit accounts, and financial fraud, as scammers gain access to personal and financial information. The FBI recommends verifying toll balances directly through official websites or customer service, not clicking unknown links, and filing complaints with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) if targeted.
chicagotribune.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax season presents increased fraud risk as scammers use phishing emails, texts, phone calls, and social media to impersonate the IRS and steal personal information or money. Common tactics include creating false urgency, threatening arrest, promising inflated refunds through "ghost" preparers who file fraudulent returns, and exploiting uncertainty around recent IRS workforce cuts to appear more convincing. Experts recommend using only trusted tax professionals, avoiding suspicious links and unsolicited offers, and reporting scams to the IRS, as reduced agency staffing may slow response times to fraud complaints.
cantonrep.com
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational piece from the Better Business Bureau warning consumers about impostor customer support scams on social media, where fraudsters create fake business support accounts to trick people seeking help into sharing personal and financial information. The article outlines six prevention strategies: verify account legitimacy by checking creation date and follower count, be wary of multiple responses claiming to help, avoid fake account recovery services, never share personal or financial information with strangers, don't click suspicious links, and contact businesses directly through their official websites instead of relying on social media responses.
mobileidworld.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI issued a nationwide alert about a fourfold increase in "smishing" attacks (fraudulent SMS messages) targeting U.S. smartphone users since January 2025, with over 2,000 complaints received regarding fake toll payment and delivery service notifications. Cybercriminals operating from China have registered more than 10,000 domains and use sophisticated phishing kits to steal personal and financial information, with Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Orlando being the most heavily targeted cities. The FBI recommends users delete suspicious texts without clicking links and verify payments directly through official websites.
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-08
On March 21, 2025, the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office arrested suspects in an ongoing phone scam targeting an elderly male customer who was instructed to withdraw $50,000 from Wells Fargo in Oakdale. A vigilant bank teller alerted law enforcement after the victim attempted a second large withdrawal, prompting detectives to coordinate an undercover operation that successfully apprehended the scammers at a pre-arranged collection point. The case highlights the importance of reporting suspicious requests for large cash withdrawals to authorities immediately.
thehindu.com
· 2025-12-08
The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau warned corporate offices and IT firms of a rising trend of impersonation scams targeting financial personnel, where cybercriminals pose as senior executives via WhatsApp, email, and SMS to trick accounts officers into transferring large sums of money. In a documented case, an accounts officer received a WhatsApp message displaying a company CMD's profile picture and was instructed to transfer funds for an urgent project, resulting in financial loss before the fraud was discovered. The TGCSB recommends companies implement multi-level approval processes, verify all financial instructions through direct voice contact with the purported sender, and conduct regular employee training to counter these sophisticated attacks.
kiplinger.com
· 2025-12-08
A 76-year-old retired lawyer lost $740,000 in retirement savings to con artists who posed as federal investigators, convincing him he was helping with a fraud investigation. The article notes that retirees are frequent targets due to presumed savings, trust, cognitive vulnerabilities, and isolation, and outlines common scams including phishing emails, phone impersonations, and fake online sales, while recommending verification of unexpected requests, strong passwords, and reporting fraud rather than remaining silent due to embarrassment.
indianasenaterepublicans.com
· 2025-12-08
A smishing scam targeting Indiana residents falsely claims consumers owe unpaid toll road fees via text message, using urgency and threatening language to pressure victims into clicking malicious links and entering personal financial information. The Indiana Toll Road Concession Company warns that it never requests sensitive information by text or phone, and advises recipients to report scam messages to the FBI at www.ic3.gov, verify account status directly with the company, and contact their bank immediately if they clicked any links or shared information.
goerie.com
· 2025-12-08
"Smishing" text scams—fraudulent SMS messages impersonating legitimate services—are increasing nationwide, with scammers targeting E-ZPass users and others with fake messages about unpaid tolls, undelivered packages, and overdue bills to steal personal and financial information. The FBI warns recipients should never click links or provide information in suspicious texts, and instead delete them immediately and verify account status through official channels. If compromised, victims should contact banks, freeze accounts, change passwords, and report the scam to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov).
nbcchicago.com
· 2025-12-08
Illinois drivers have been receiving "smishing" scam text messages impersonating the Illinois Tollway, threatening toll evasion fees and demanding immediate payment to avoid increased costs and DMV reporting. The scam has persisted for over a year since spring 2024, with the FBI receiving over 60,000 complaints nationwide in 2024 alone, using various spoofed sender names and evolving to simply say "toll roads." Authorities advise recipients not to click links or provide payment information, verify legitimacy through official channels (illinoistollway.com, 800-824-7277, or the I-PASS app), and report suspicious texts to the FBI's Internet
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
Arielle Burton received a suspicious email claiming to be from TD Bank about a doubling maintenance fee, which contained broken links and red flags despite appearing legitimate, prompting her to question how to distinguish real bank communications from phishing scams. The article explains four legitimate reasons banks contact customers—identity verification, suspicious activity alerts, low balance warnings, and data breach notifications—and advises that banks never request sensitive information via unsolicited calls, texts, or emails, only through secure channels like physical mail or the bank's official app.
pennlive.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS has released its 2025-26 "Dirty Dozen" list warning taxpayers about scams that increase during tax filing season, which peaks before the April 15 deadline. Common schemes include email phishing and text message scams (smishing) impersonating the IRS, misleading social media tax advice, fraudulent charity donations, false fuel tax credit claims, and bogus self-employment tax credit schemes that can lead to identity theft and ineligible tax deductions. The IRS emphasizes that scammers exploit tax season urgency to trick vulnerable taxpayers into providing personal and financial information or filing fraudulent claims.
13wmaz.com
· 2025-12-08
A South Carolina man, Bhargav Patel, was arrested in Jones County, Georgia after attempting to defraud an elderly couple of their life savings through a courier scam, in which he convinced them their bank deposits were unsafe and arranged to pick up their withdrawn money for "safekeeping." The couple's family intervened before the theft was completed, obtained the suspect's license plate, and authorities tracked and arrested Patel, charging him with exploitation of the elderly and two counts of criminal attempt to commit theft. The sheriff's office emphasized that such fraud cases are among the highest-volume crimes they handle and advised residents to be cautious of unsolicited calls, especially from those impersonating government agencies
yourvalley.net
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams are evolving to incorporate AI-generated videos and images to impersonate celebrities and create fake online relationships, with scammers targeting people of all ages but particularly vulnerable seniors who feel isolated. A French woman lost $850,000 to a fraudster claiming to be Brad Pitt who used AI to fabricate hospital photos and impersonate the actor, requesting money for medical treatment. Consumers should watch for red flags including unsolicited urgent contact, requests for personal information, and demands for upfront payments, and can verify suspicious photos through reverse image searches.
mesquitelocalnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Social Security imposter scams remain prevalent across the U.S., with scammers using deceptive tactics to obtain sensitive information or money through fraudulent letters, texts, emails, and calls. The Social Security Administration clarifies that it will never text/email ID images, suspend Social Security numbers, threaten arrest, demand payment via gift cards or wire transfers, or promise benefits in exchange for fees. Individuals should report suspected Social Security fraud to the Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov/report and verify suspicious communications through official channels.
northfortynews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Larimer County Sheriff's Office highlighted nine trending scams affecting Northern Colorado residents in March 2025, including "neighbor in trouble" calls requesting bail money, stolen/altered checks, fake PayPal fraud alerts, door-to-door sales schemes, tech support scams impersonating Microsoft and Apple, and cryptocurrency investment frauds. Seniors are frequently targeted and often listed on "sucker lists" shared among scammers, making compassionate reporting and victim support critical. The advisory recommends verifying requests independently, using secure payment methods, and reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement or the FTC.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 46-year-old schoolteacher from Sullia lost Rs 5 lakh in a Facebook investment scam promising high returns through a fake trading platform called GMZ Global, while a 26-year-old computer operator from Kadaba lost Rs 9.97 lakh in a Telegram task-based scam that lured her with small initial payments before demanding larger investments for withdrawals. Both victims were unable to access their funds or withdraw their investments and filed complaints at CEN Crime Police Station in Mangaluru.
news18.com
· 2025-12-08
Indian cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle warned the public about WhatsApp hijacking scams after his relative became a victim when she shared a verification code with someone posing as a friend, resulting in account takeover and the scammer impersonating her to contacts. The scammer further compromised the account by changing group settings and backup email information, though Meta eventually helped restore access. Bhogle shared educational resources emphasizing that people should never share verification codes or OTPs and should remain vigilant about protecting their WhatsApp accounts.
fhtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams are evolving with AI-generated videos and images to impersonate celebrities and create fake relationships, with scammers targeting Arizonans of all ages—particularly isolated seniors—to extract thousands of dollars through emotional manipulation and fabricated emergencies. A French woman lost $850,000 to a fraudster impersonating Brad Pitt using AI-generated hospital images, exemplifying how scammers build trust over months before requesting wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Consumers should watch for red flags including unsolicited contact with urgency, requests for personal information, upfront payment demands, and suspicious grammar, and can verify photos through reverse image searches.
fox13now.com
· 2025-12-08
Smishing—SMS phishing scams via text message—is a growing threat targeting consumers with fake tolls, parking charges, IRS impersonation, and fake job offers. The Mountain West Better Business Bureau advises recipients to never respond to suspicious texts, click links, or provide personal information, as engagement confirms active phone numbers to scammers; victims who transfer money through Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal have little recourse for recovery, though credit card transactions may be disputed.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
Reports of individuals impersonating ICE agents have increased across the United States, with scammers contacting victims by phone, email, or in person to demand payment via cash, wire transfers, or gift cards while threatening arrest or deportation. Authorities advise immigrants to verify agent identities through official ICE field offices, avoid sharing original documents without verified government requirements, seek help only from licensed lawyers and accredited representatives, and report suspicious activity to local authorities, as legitimate federal agencies never demand payment over unsolicited contact.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article highlights two prevalent scams and prevention strategies: a deepfake video impersonating Warren Buffett offering investment tips through a fake "assistant" (exploiting AI technology to create convincing but false endorsements), and phishing emails falsely claiming to be from Social Security. The article advises readers to verify links by hovering over them to check their actual destinations, use link expansion services for shortened URLs, and independently log into official websites rather than clicking embedded links in suspicious emails.
abc11.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, scammers stole a record $12.5 billion from Americans, a 25% increase from the previous year, with investment scams and imposter scams causing the largest losses according to FTC data. A Raleigh woman lost nearly $3,000 to a Microsoft imposter scam after being tricked into purchasing gift cards, a common tactic where fraudsters impersonate legitimate companies or government agencies. Red flags include requests to buy gift cards, cryptocurrency, or send money through payment apps to unknown individuals.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
An 80-year-old Texas man lost $5,000 to a bitcoin ATM scam after receiving a false call claiming his son was in jail; according to FTC data, bitcoin ATM scams targeting seniors over 60 increased nearly tenfold from $12 million in 2020 to $114 million in 2023, with victims three times more likely to be older adults. Scammers exploit the speed and irreversibility of cryptocurrency transactions by directing victims to deposit cash at bitcoin ATMs using QR codes that transfer funds directly to criminal accounts. Most states lack regulations on bitcoin ATMs, making recovery difficult, though some jurisdictions have successfully returned funds when caught quickly
latimes.com
· 2025-12-08
ICE impersonators and other scammers are increasingly targeting immigrant communities, capitalizing on fears related to deportation policies, according to California Attorney General Rob Bonta. The article provides protective guidance including: verify federal officials through official identification and government channels only, never sign documents or provide personal/financial information to unsolicited callers, understand that legitimate ICE agents will not contact you via personal social media or request money, and be aware that "notario" or notary public titles do not indicate legal expertise in the United States. Impersonating a federal officer is illegal and punishable by fines or imprisonment.
actionnewsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
The California Franchise Tax Board issued a warning during tax season about persistent scams targeting taxpayers, particularly text message schemes directing victims to fraudulent FTB website replicas designed to steal personal and banking information. State Controller Malia M. Cohen advised taxpayers to guard sensitive information and verify any communications from tax agencies directly rather than clicking links or downloading attachments from suspicious messages. The FTB recommends contacting them at (800) 852-5711 or the IRS at (800) 892-1040 if taxpayers receive suspicious correspondence.
pcworld.com
· 2025-12-08
A Menlo Security report documents a 140% increase in browser-based phishing attacks and 130% increase in zero-hour phishing attacks over the past year, driven by criminals using generative AI to create credible fake websites, automate targeted attacks, and deploy phishing-as-a-service kits. The report warns that fake AI tool sites trick users into downloading infected files and stealing login credentials and personal data, with particular risk on mobile devices where security red flags are harder to spot. Users are advised to verify website authenticity before entering credentials, scrutinize suspicious emails from known companies, and avoid clicking links or downloading files from unverified sources.
petersburgpilot.com
· 2025-12-08
Petersburg resident Lila Trask's compromised GCI email account was hijacked and used to send phishing emails to her contacts claiming she had a throat infection and asking if they shopped on Amazon. Two of her friends responded to the scam email, which then escalated into a request for help purchasing a birthday gift, representing a classic email compromise fraud targeting her social network.
newstalk870.am
· 2025-12-08
Washington State has experienced a surge in text message scams impersonating Good To Go!, the state's toll billing system, which direct victims to fake websites and threaten legal action to collect payment information. A victim described losing access to her accounts after providing her driver's license and credit card number through a fraudulent link. WSDOT advises that legitimate Good To Go! communications never request payment via text or direct users to external websites; customers should only log into the official Good To Go! account to address toll issues.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS released its 2025 "Dirty Dozen" list of prevalent tax scams, including phishing emails, IRS impersonation calls demanding payment, fake tax preparers, fraudulent refund claims using stolen identities, and misleading social media tax advice. Taxpayers should protect themselves by verifying communications, using trusted tax software, enabling multi-factor authentication, and reporting suspected scams to authorities; victims may be eligible for theft loss deductions under certain circumstances with proper documentation.