Don’t Get Scammed! Beware of Fake IRS Calls
February 19, 2016
If you get a phone call from the IRS, think twice before you respond with personal information or money.
Calls from scammers pretending to be the IRS are common, and many scammers use sophisticated methods—such using an IRS caller ID or “robo-calls”—to make the call sound official. Some scammers even send emails or letters on official IRS letterhead using a fake IRS address.
Don’t fall for a scammer’s tricks.
The IRS will not call you to demand immediate payment, nor will it threaten to arrest you or revoke your license for not paying taxes. In fact, the IRS will not call you if you owe taxes without first mailing you a bill.
Suspicious? Report the call.
If you receive a suspicious call from the IRS, don’t give out any information and hang up right away. Call TIGTA at 800-366-4484 or visit their website to report the call. You should also report the call to the Federal Trade Commission via the FTC Complaint Assistant on FTC.gov (add “IRS Telephone Scam” in the notes).
To learn more, read the full advisory from the IRS.