IRS Scams

There have been some very aggressive email and telephone scams claiming to be from the IRS recently.  Often times the scammers have personal information on you, and use fake ID numbers to seem legitimate.

Email:  They use very official looking email and tell you that your tax payment was rejected or that you owe back taxes, often threatening legal action.  If you receive an email like this, PLEASE do not click on any of the links and immediately delete it. 

Telephone:  Callers claiming to be from the IRS contact you saying you owe money which must be immediately paid via wire-transfer or with a prepaid debit card.  If the caller refuses, they often threaten arrest or suspension of  the victim’s business or driver license.  Or victims are told they are due a refund to try and trick you into giving our your bank information.  They will even leave an “urgent” message if you don’t answer.  In many cases they have been able to manipulate  the caller ID to look as if it really is the IRS calling.

IRS WILL NEVER MAKE INTIAL CONTACT WITH YOU BY WAY OF EMAIL OR PHONE CALLS!  They will always first attempt to reach you with a letter in the mail.  In addition you will never be asked to pay immediately without being given the opportunity to appeal the amount you owe, and you will never be asked to pay with a debit or credit card over the phone.

For a more complete listing of common and recent scams, please see the IRS website by clicking here.