Insights
phone scams are increasing as the deadline nears. There are many different types of phone scams, and they generally work as follows:
With Tax Day less than a month away, the IRS is warning taxpayers that impersonating- Scammers impersonating the IRS call taxpayers telling them they owe taxes and face arrest if they don’t pay.
- The scammer may leave a message asking taxpayers to call back to clear up a tax matter or face arrest.
- When taxpayers call back, the scammers often use threatening and hostile language.
- The thief demands that the taxpayers pay their tax debts with a gift card, other pre-paid cards or a wire transfer.
Keep in mind, the IRS will never:
- Call taxpayers demanding immediate payment using a specific payment method. Generally, the IRS first mails a bill to the taxpayer.
- Threaten to have taxpayers arrested for not paying taxes.
- Demand payment without giving taxpayers an opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
If you do receive a call from a suspected scammer, you should:
- Hang up the phone immediately.
- Report the call to TIGTA using their IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting form or by calling 800-366-4484.
- Report the number to [email protected]; put “IRS Phone Scam” in the subject line.
Click here to watch a short video from the IRS on this topic.
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