January 21, 2016
Now that tax season is here, there have been an increase in reported IRS and US Treasury scams telephone calls. Most have received an automated telephone call from someone claiming to be an agent of the government regarding a lawsuit over unpaid taxes. The scammer requests a return telephone call. Residents are warned not to provide any personal information over the the telephone.
The IRS will never:
1) call to demand immediate payment, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill;
2) demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe;
3) require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card;
4) ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone;
5) threaten to involve local police or other law enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.
If you receive one of these calls and have the originating number or a call back number, the IRS requests you report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484.
Click here for more information about IRS and US Treasury Scams.
