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From Pamela's Place
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Scam artists posing as IRS employees targeting and calling tax payers at home
Sunday, March 9, 2014
The phone rings and it's the IRS - or so says the caller on the other end. The conversation that follows is aggressive, demanding and frightening. But Consumer Reports said what's really going on is a scam.People posing as IRS employees are targeting and calling tax payers at home, demanding money and threatening them with arrests or prosecution.
The imposters can be quite convincing.They often use phony names and IRS badge numbers. They even enlist accomplices who claim to be the police.
The scams, which are luring people with promises of a faster or bigger refund, are happening across the country.
One victim of the scam said he was shocked when someone sounding like a legitimate IRS agent called his house and demanded a $5,000 tax payment.
"(They said) I would be handcuffed and thrown in jail," he said. "It was absolutely the most terrifying thing I have experienced that I can remember."
Another victim says she recieved a call from a supposed IRS agent saying she owed $3,000 in back taxes. The caller said she would be arrested at her home that day if she didn't pay.
Other tricks used include sending texts and e-mails demanding confidential information missing from tax returns.
These schemes are aimed at getting important data like a Social Security number.
That way the scam artist can steal your identity, and then they can claim your refund using a fraudulent tax return. I personally know someone here in Alabama that this has happened to and I cannot even begin to describe to you what they are facing.
Typically, the IRS initiates contact through regular mail - not email, text, social media or phone, Consumer Reports said. The IRS also does not ask for personal information electronically. In addition, the agency does not ask for credit card numbers, pre-paid debit cards or wire transfers.
Those who owe taxes or think they do should call the IRS at 800-829-1040.
Those who don't owe taxes, but receive a questionable email or phone call, should call and report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484. Scam victims should also use the Federal Trade Commissions "FTC Complaint Assistant" at FTC.gov and add "IRS Telephone Scam" to the comments in your complaint.
Those who believe they are the target of an email phishing for confidential information can also send a complaint to phishing@irs.gov.
Be careful who you trust! Do your research and know what you should do in such a situation.
Be Blessed!
Pamela "Jewels" Bates,
Operations Manager,
Host of Pamela's Place,
Co Host of Community Talk,
WDNG Media
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Keywords: Pamela "Jewels" Bates,Pamela's Place,Community Talk,WDNG Media ,IRS,Consumer Reports , scam, back taxes,schemes ,
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