Phony IRS Calls

The tax filing season is a busy time for taxpayers, but scammers also stay busy. Taxpayers should be aware of several types of tax scams , but phone scams start to increase during the beginning of tax season and then remain active throughout the remainder of the year. Here’s how this scam generally works:

• 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.

Taxpayers who receive these phone calls 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 phishing@irs.gov ; put “IRS Phone Scam” in the subject line.

Taxpayers should remember that the IRS does not:

• 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.

IRS YouTube Videos :
Tax Scams – English | Spanish | ASL
Dirty Dozen – English | Spanish | ASL

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