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There’s a new massive IRS scam involving criminals overseas demanding payments over the phone and they’ve collected over 15 million dollars. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself against these IRS phone scam calls:
- Criminals pose as IRS agents on phone.
- You answer phone from scammer posing to be an IRS agent who offers their badge number and sound official
- Demand is made for immediate payment to avoid being arrested, audited and raking up penalties
- The scammers use a ghosting technology on their phones to make it appear on your caller id as though the call is coming from DC area code 202
- The crime rings are largely operated overseas.
- The fake IRS scammer compels you to pay immediately with wire transfers, debit cards or any instant payment methods. (The IRS will not ever do this)
FACTS
- 366,000 people have reported to have received fake IRS phone scam call
- More than 3,000 Americans have been victimized and fooled into paying scammers
- Calls being made at a rate of 10,000 per week
- $15.5 Million scammed so far
- Frequent targets are also recent immigrants
MY TIPS
- IRS will never call and threaten arrest, legal action or demand immediate payment
- Letters are first method of official contact for real IRS contact
- IRS will not demand that you pay taxes without giving you opportunity to appeal and question amount
- IRS will not require payment be made in any specific form such as debit cards or wire transfer
- IRS will not threaten to bring in local police or have you arrested
- Hang up and report scam to Treasury Inspector General at 1-800-366-4484 or at www.tigta.gov.
- Question about IRS bill? call their real number at 1-800-829-1040
- Be on the lookout for IRS email scams too
- IRS does not use email, text messages or any social media to discuss personal tax issues
More info on the IRS site here