The IRS is warning the public about a phone scam that targets people across the nation. Callers claiming to be from the IRS tell intended victims they owe taxes and must pay using a pre-paid debit card or wire transfer. The scammers threaten those who refuse to pay with arrest, deportation or loss of a business or driver’s license.
– The callers who commit this fraud often:
– Use common names and fake IRS badge numbers.
– Know the last four digits of the victim’s Social Security number.
– Make caller ID appear as if the IRS is calling.
– Send bogus IRS emails to support their scam.
– Call a second time claiming to be the police or DMV, and caller ID again supports their claim.
The truth is the IRS usually first contacts people by mail – not by phone – about unpaid taxes. And the IRS won’t ask for payment using a pre-paid debit card or wire transfer. The agency also won’t ask for a credit card number over the phone. If you think you may owe additional taxes, give us a call and we’ll work with the IRS to determine any outstanding tax liability.
Read more about tax scams on the genuine IRS website, IRS.gov. IRS Special Edition Tax Tip 2013-13, November 7, 2013
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