From: The Internet

Dear TaxMama,

How does one go about reporting a person who claims to be a certified public accountant but is not?

Thank you,
John

 

 

 

Hi John,

Well it really would help to know what state you're in. Then I could have pointed you to the right place.

Nevertheless, you can find it.

Go to your state CPA association's site. Look up the phone number.

Call them up and ask them.

Also, if your state also licenses or oversees CPAs, like California's Consumer Affairs department, you could also report it to them.

And then, there is always your local TV station's consumer affairs reporter.

This is pretty serious. People who pretend to be something they're not (when they are not TV characters) do much more harm than good.

If they were skilled enough to be the profession they are professing - they could get licensed or certified, or whatever.

If they can't get the license...what does that tell you about their skills and experience?

When it comes to taxes and accounting - if you rely on their advice, and they're wrong...and you get called on it - you have no defense. Their opinion and/or advice won't hold up.

Best Wishes,
Eva Rosenberg, MBA, EA