Today, a client phoned me in tears, shaken, and terrified after a call they received from someone claiming to be with the IRS. The “IRS” representative advised my client the cops were on their way to arrest them for not paying their taxes. In addition, they needed to go to the bank, and obtain a cashier’s check for $7,000.00 for back taxes they owed.
According to the IRS, “in recent years, thousands of people have lost millions of dollars and personal information to tax scams and fake IRS communications (IRS.GOV).”
What can you do to protect yourself? Simple, the IRS will not call and demand payment without sending a letter first. In addition, the IRS will not email, text or correspond with you via social media. Your first response….hang up the phone, and DO NOT provide or confirm personal information with the caller.
Second, contact TIGTA to report the call. You may use their “IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting” web page or you can also call 800-366-4484. In addition, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission. Use the “FTC Complaint Assistant” on FTC.gov. In the notes, add “IRS Telephone Scam”.
Finally, if you’re not a 100% sure if you owe or not, call the IRS at 800-829-1040.
Click the link here which will direct you to “IRS Urges Public to Stay Alert for Scam Phone Calls” information page. Here, you’ll find a guide of IRS scams used, along with helpful information on what you can do.
Tax Scams / Consumer Alerts: https://www.irs.gov/uac/tax-scams-consumer-alerts