Tax Scams Aren’t Seasonal
One might think that since April 15 has passed, so has the season for tax scams. Think again. There is no season for tax scams. They occur 365 days a year.
The IRS has reported a couple of new variations of tax-related scams.
They call one of them the SSN HUSTLE. In this scam, the scammer claims to be able to suspend or cancel a Social Security Number. This is similar to the IRS impersonation scam. Don’t return calls to robo-call voicemails. And, if you answer a call like this, hang up. Or, if you are inclined to say something, tell them to send it in writing.
Another scam is that of a fake tax agency. And, this you do get in writing. The claim is that you have delinquent taxes and that there is a lien against you or that your property will be levied upon. This scam can be very confusing because it looks legitimate and to be from the IRS. If you receive such a mailing, do not call the number that may be in the notice. Call the IRS at 800-829-1040.
Stay alert.
Phone scams continue and you should remember that the IRS does not leave a pre-recorded, urgent or threatening message. Don’t rely on caller ID as these can be fake.
If in doubt, call the IRS at 800-829-1040.
The same goes for email phishing scams. The IRS does not contact taxpayers by email. Most contacts from the IRS come through the US Postal Service regular mail. Only in special circumstances will the IRS call or visit a home/business. These visits are usually only after other communications have not been successful.
If you think that you may have received an email that appears to be from the IRS that is fraudulent, report it by sending it to phishing@irs.gov. Don’t reply to the email.
REMEMBER, the IRS will not call you to demand immediate payment and ask for financial information. They will not threaten to bring in law enforcement.
If you receive something that appears to be a scam and you are having a guilty conscience because you do owe or may owe taxes, contact the IRS directly. Don’t fall prey to a scam. YOU should initiate contact with the IRS by calling them at 800-829-1040.
Don’t be a victim. Outsmart the scammers.
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