The IRS is warning taxpayers about a new phone scam which targets taxpayers throughout the country. Phone scammers call taxpayers and are told they owe money to the IRS, and if they refuse to pay immediately, that the police will come and place them in custody. Taxpayers are told that they must pay via a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer
The IRS will NEVER contact you requesting payment pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer.
Additionally, the IRS never uses local police to aprehend tax scofflaws, and would NEVER arrest an individual for the small amounts these scammers are using to scare taxpayers.
How do they fool you?
Scammers use fake names and IRS badge numbers using common surnames.
They may have access to the last 4 of your SSN. DO NOT GIVE THEM YOUR SSN.
Scammers spoof 1-800 numbers to appear that they are calling from inside the United States
Scammers use threats such as drivers license revocation, arrest or other intimidation methods
What do you do if you get a call?
If you know you owe taxes, hang up and call the IRS phone line at 800-829-1040. This is a genuine IRS line and these agents will assist you.
You can take record of the call and contact the Federal Trade Commission to generate a complaint. Click here to be redirected.
Call your accountant who will be able to verify and assist you.
For more information, click here.