Be Aware of These Scams
JEANNE PYLE SCOTT, DIRECTOR, CPA, CTFA, CGMA
CENTENNIAL TAX & ACCOUNTING
Have you received a phone call from someone who claims to be from the IRS and stating that you owe additional taxes? I recently received one such voicemail and, even as a tax preparer who routinely warns clients of tax-related scams, it can be unnerving to be on the receiving end of such a communication. The scammers continue to get more sophisticated in their tactics oftentimes making it difficult to identify whether you are speaking to an actual IRS representative or an impersonator.
The number of tax-related scams are growing exponentially, and the IRS warns taxpayers to be vigilant when presented with any communication alleging to be from the IRS. These scams frequently take the form of phone calls, emails, and text messages. Many times, the scammers assert that you owe additional taxes and attempt to pressure you into releasing personally identifying information as well as payment information such as bank, debit or credit card numbers.
If you receive an unsolicited communication which purports to be the IRS, there are a few key things to remember.
- The IRS almost always initiates communications with taxpayers via US mail, and rarely is a phone call the first line of communication. Additionally, the IRS never attempts to reach taxpayers regarding balances due or tax refunds via email, text, or social media contacts. If you have not received a notice from the IRS, it is likely a scam, and you should release no information to the individual.
- Make note of an agent’s employee ID number if they provide one. You can verify this is an actual IRS representative if you call the IRS at the number provided below.
- If you are uncertain about whether the communication you received was legitimate, you can contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 to confirm. Never call back the number on your caller ID.
- The IRS will never demand immediate payment via wire transfer, prepaid debit card or gift cards, nor will they request such information over the phone. If anyone pressures you to make a payment using one of these methods, regardless of whether they claim to be from the IRS, you should consider whether it might be a scam.
- Many scams involve a sense of urgency or fear tactics. The IRS will never demand payment of a balance due without allowing the taxpayer an opportunity to dispute the amount owed. Do not fall victim to a scammer trying to use a sense of urgency to get you to act without fulling thinking through the potential consequences.
- Another scare tactic frequently used by a scammer is the threat of involving the police or other law enforcement agencies to have the individual arrested or deported. The IRS will never threaten to involve law enforcement or other agencies in collection of taxes due.
If you receive any communication from the IRS, or any other taxing authority, the best course of action is to report it to your tax preparer. They can help you to determine if the communication is legitimate. If it is, your tax preparer can help you to resolve the issue. And, if it is not, they can advise you on how to report the fraud and what your next steps should be.