Tax scams run rampant during the months of January through April, with over the phone scams being one of the most effective, and therefore most prevalent methods of fraud. Many people get caught up in this particular scam every year.
What are Phone Scams?
The scam is as simple as it is effective: someone will call you claiming to be an IRS agent and will start trying to squeeze you for info. These con artists will seem well informed and use fraudulent identification names and IDs and will more than likely know enough about you and your situation. They can even “spoof” official IRS numbers, passing them off as official on your phone or caller ID. They also very often leave messages, urging you to call them back.
Once they’ve hooked you, they will begin spinning their tale: you suddenly owe money to the IRS and you MUST pay it on that day or suffer high priced penalties. Some take it a step further by threatening to detain or even deport the victim if they aren’t cooperating.
Some Tips to Avoid Phone Scams
The IRS will never call to demand sensitive information. Official tax documents contain all the information they need to know, so there’s no need for them to call you to ask for these kinds of information sets.
Do not give them any info. Even your name and email is worth the call for them. If you suspect that you are being scammed, hang up immediately.
If you do in fact owe taxes, the safest thing to do is to call the IRS yourself and inquire.
Contact the FTC through their website and fill out their FTC Complaint form to let them know there is a scammer contacting your area.
—–
Don’t let someone steal your identity and your money over the phone. If you have any questions regarding your taxes, find your local ONE STOP TAX and we’ll answer any questions you may have, provide you a free estimate and help you out with your taxes, too. Be safe out there, folks!
Tags: tax facts, tax tips, taxes Posted by