Who Gets Targeted By IRS Phone Scams?

Anyone can be a victim of an IRS phone scam. Many people panic when they receive an IRS scam call because the caller sounds like a legitimate IRS worker. These people use fake titles, and they may also state the victim’s personal information, such as name and address. As a result of this, many people pay money to these scammers. According to the Treasury Inspector General For Tax Administration, 736,000 people have been a victim of an IRS scam ever since October 2013. Approximately 4,350 people have paid over $23 million to these scammers.

When the con artists first started scamming people, they targeted the elderly and immigrants. Now, they are targeting anyone who they think will fall for their tricks. Keep in mind that tax scams can happen during any time of the year.

The Telltale Signs Of An IRS Scammer

There are several signs that suggest a person is an IRS scammer. Con artists call the taxpayers and demand that they make a payment. They may tell the victim that they have to send cash or pay with a credit card. They may also threaten action if the person does not pay. For example, they may tell the person that he or she will be arrested if the balance is not paid.

If the person does not answer the phone when the scammer calls, then he or she may leave a message saying that the person should call back as soon as possible. They may also send out a phishing email. A phishing email is a type of email that is designed to steal personal information.

What The IRS Will Never Do

Recognizing the things that the Internal Revenue Service will do is one of the keys to avoiding an IRS scam. The IRS will never call you and demand that you make a payment. If you owe taxes, then the first way that the IRS will contact you is via mail.

The IRS will not require that you pay your taxes a certain way. Scammers often tell you that you have to pay your taxes with a credit card or send your money in the mail. The IRS will never ask you to provide your credit card or debit card information over the phone. Additionally, the IRS will not threaten to send the police to your home or arrest you if you do not pay.

How To Protect Yourself If You Receive An IRS Scam Call

There are a number of things that you can do if you receive an IRS scam call. Regardless of whether or not you owe taxes, you should hang up the phone immediately if you receive a scam call. Do not give the caller any of your personal information. You should report the scam call to the Federal Trade Commission.

If you do owe taxes, then you should contact the Internal Revenue Service. There are a number of ways that a tax problem can be remedied.