MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com)– An unusual advertisement for tax services has been circulating around Memphis. It's the name that grabs your attention, while also creating some hesitation.
The name definitely creates a double-take: "Baby Momma Tax Service; it even guarantees a refund if you have kids."
It just didn't sound quite right, so abc24.com went to some experts for clarification.
"The first thing- the name itself," said Janice Forrest, "Baby Momma, come on, that doesn't even sound professional."
Forrest is a Jackson-Hewitt tax preparer, office supervisor and tax school instructor; and that was her initial reaction to the "Baby Momma Tax Service" flyer that has been making the rounds of Midtown Memphis. The ad even appeared in a Memphis newspaper.
"The flyer that you showed me doesn't give me any confidence that this is a reputable outfit," said Randy Hutchinson, President of the Memphis Better Business Bureau. "I don't see an address, I don't see a local phone number and I ran them through the Better Business Bureau system, and I can't find any record of them."
A phone call to the "888" number in the Baby Momma ad was answered by someone claiming to work for Simon Investments in Dallas.
When abc24.com tried to ask about Baby Momma, said she didn't have time for such questions and hung up.
"It looks fraudulent," said Forrest, "it says if you have kids we guarantee you will get a refund. Just because you have kids does not mean that you are going to get a refund. What if I came in with $100 and three children? What would I get, nothing?"
Even Twitter users seem incredulous about the Baby Momma ads. One read, "Baby Momma, bet you thought I was lying."
"When a preparer guarantees that they are going to get you more money than any other preparer, that's a red flag," Hutchinson said.
"I would not go to them," said Forrest, "I would not recommend them either."
Hutchinson also said his organization sees lots of tax scams this time of year and expects them to continue through April 15th.
Forrest added anyone is welcome to call their office and discuss all tax preparation services.
