It’s happening again. A telephone scam in which the caller says he represents the IRS is once again being worked in the area. A Como resident reports two automated phone calls requesting a return call to a specific 800 number to arrange payment to the IRS for money owed. The calls stated that the individual was in severe trouble with the IRS. The resident did not return the call.
The IRS has warned consumers to guard against such scam calls from thieves intent on stealing their money or their identity. Often these callers demand the victim pay a bogus tax bill through a prepaid card or wire transfer. Phone scams use threats to intimidate and bully a victim into paying. They may even threaten arrest, deportation, or revoke the license of their victim if they don’t get the money. The callers often use IRS titles, fake badge numbers, and other means to appear legitimate. Often, they use the victim’s name, address, and other personal information to make the call sound official.
The IRS will not call you if you owe taxes without first sending you a bill in the mail. They will also allow the tax payer to question or appeal the amount owed. They will not require a specific means of payment such as a prepaid debit card, nor will they ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone. They will not threaten to bring in police or other agencies to arrest you for not paying.
If you receive such a call, the IRS advises you to:
- Contact TIGTA to report the call. Use their “IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting” web page. You can also call 800-366-4484.
- Report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Use the “FTC Complaint Assistant” on FTC.gov. Please add “IRS Telephone Scam” in the notes.
If you know you owe, or think you may owe tax:
- Call the IRS at 800-829-1040. IRS workers can help you.
