IRS says unscrupulous tax preparers are targeting immigrants for health law scams

The IRS is warning consumers that unscrupulous tax preparers are using the president's health care law to pocket bogus fines from unsuspecting taxpayers, especially immigrants.

In a consumer alert issued Friday, the tax agency tells consumers to beware of tax preparers asking that health law fines due to the government instead be paid directly to them.

The IRS says it has received reports from around the country that con artists are targeting immigrants, in particular Spanish speakers.

In some cases, the con artists promise to lower the fine if the consumer pays directly. In other cases, they've demanded money from people who are exempt from the law's coverage requirements.

The law requires virtually everybody in the country to have coverage, or risk fines.