Tax Season Prime Time For Phone Scams

With tax season in full swing, the IRS reminds taxpayers to be aware that it’s the prime time for phone scams. Criminals are posing as IRS agents trying to steal taxpayer money or personal information.

Here are some signs of a tax scam and actions taxpayers can take if they receive a scam call.

The IRS Will Never

• Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will mail a bill to taxpayers who owe taxes.
• Threaten immediately bringing in local police or other law enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.
• Demand that taxes be paid without allowing taxpayers to question or appeal the amount owed.
• Call unexpectedly about a tax refund.

If You Receive A Phone Scam

• Record the number and then 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 [email protected] and be sure to put “IRS Phone Scam” in the subject line.

If The IRS Initiates Contact

The IRS contacts most taxpayers through regular mail from the U.S. Postal Service. However, there are special circumstances in which the IRS will call or come to a home or business, such as:

• When a taxpayer has an overdue tax bill,
• To secure a delinquent tax return or a delinquent employment tax payment, or
• Tour a business, for example, as part of an audit or during criminal investigations.

Even then, taxpayers will generally receive a letter or sometimes more than one letter, often called notices, from the IRS in the mail.

Phishing & Smishing Scams

Taxpayers should also look out for fake communications posing as legitimate organizations, including the IRS and state government.

These messages arrive as unsolicited texts or emails asking for valuable information. There are two main types:

• Phishing is an email from fraudsters claiming to come from the IRS or another legitimate organization. The email may offer things like a phony tax refund or frighten them with false legal/criminal charges for tax fraud.
• Smishing is a text message that uses the same technique as phishing. Scammers often use alarming language like, “Your account has now been put on hold,” or “Unusual Activity Report,” with a fake “Solutions” link to restore the recipient’s account.

The IRS initiates most contacts through regular mail and will never initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text or social media regarding a bill or tax refund.

Stay vigilant this tax season against scammers. When in doubt, let calls go to voicemail, and don’t click on links.