IRS Tax Tip 2020-32
Taxpayers should be aware that aggressive criminals pose as IRS agents in hopes of stealing money or personal information. The tax filing season is a prime time for phone scams because people are thinking about taxes.
Here are some tell-tale signs of a tax scam along with 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 first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes.
- Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.
- Demand that taxes be paid without giving taxpayers the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
- Call out of the blue about an unexpected tax refund.
Taxpayers who receive these phone calls should:
- 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 phishing@irs.gov and be sure to put IRS Phone Scam in the subject line.
More information:
Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts
Report Phishing and Online Scams
Source: IRS.gov
