The Internal Revenue Service is warning that scammers are getting more sophisticated.
They’re still using past ploys, such as posing as IRS agents and sending emails or letters with official-looking letterhead. Now the thieves also are spoofing the caller IDs on taxpayers’ phones, making it appear that the call is coming from the IRS. Some even are giving panicked victims directions to local banks for money or debit cards to pay taxes. And, in another new twist, some are embellishing their scams by providing a real IRS address for victims to send receipts after a supposed payment.
The tax agency says scare tactics often are part of the con artists’ pitches.
SIGNS OF FRAUD
Here are some ways to tell if you’re being scammed. The IRS says its representatives will NOT:
o Phone you about taxes – even if you do owe money – until the agency has sent you a formal bill. IRS agents also do not demand immediate payment by phone or computer. And they don’t get angry and badger taxpayers.
o Threaten to have you arrested by local police or any other agency for not paying taxes.
o Request credit or debit card numbers over the phone – or require a certain type of payment, such as a debit card.
o Discuss any payment without offering you an opportunity to question or to appeal the amount due.
Also, the IRS says it does not send emails, text messages or social media messages asking for any kind of personal or financial information.
TAKING IT FURTHER
If you actually do owe taxes, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 for official help.
If you’re sure you don’t owe taxes, you can report the incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 1-800-366-4484. You can also contact the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov and include “IRS Telephone Scam” in your complaint.
Sadly, these illegal tax scams sometimes do succeed. The U.S. Treasury reports close to 4,000 taxpayers nationwide have lost about $20 million to tax thieves since fall 2013.
For more information, visit www.IRS.gov and type “scam” in the search box.