Beware of IRS impersonators making threats to have you arrested
They say nothing is certain but death and taxes, but it looks like you can add something else to that: tax scammers.
And this is their version of the Christmas season, with thieves all over the country targeting seniors by pretending to be IRS officials.
When you hear how it works, you’ll probably say, “I would never be fooled by anything like that!”
Well, thousands already have been. And they’ve handed over $14 million to these crooks already. So when you’re the one being scammed, it must sound a whole lot different!
But by knowing what to watch out for, you’ll be one step ahead of this con and your hard-earned money will stay where it belongs — in your bank account and not theirs!
Some crooks want your SS number or your credit card information, but what these IRS impersonators want is cold, hard cash. And bands of them are popping up all over the country with just one goal: scare the pants off you so you hand it over to them.
Here’s how it works.
You’ll get a call from someone claiming to work for the IRS. It seems you owe some back taxes that must be settled now. And if they’re not paid immediately, you risk being hauled off to jail.
These scam artists will leave messages on your phone too. One even called the cell phone of a news reporter for a New York TV station saying “This is officially a final notice from the IRS,” and that a lawsuit was being filed. A number was left on the reporter’s phone to get “more information on your case.”
Now, don’t think you can just check the area code to try and see if it’s a trick, because the scammers have covered that base, too.
By using a hoax involving placing calls over the Internet, instead of a phone line, they can “spoof” area codes and numbers so your caller ID will show a number from Washington D.C. or even from a local police department.
Why, these crooks are so bold that they even told a bank official who was trying to save an elderly Oregon woman from being cheated, that he was “interfering in federal business.”
The woman had gone to her local Wells Fargo bank to withdraw the $5,000 she was told would keep her out of jail, when bank employees thought something looked fishy. They got the police involved and were able to finally convince her it was a scam when “Officer Davis” from the IRS hung up just as soon as he heard he was talking to a police officer.
The lieutenant involved in that case said “the reason these scams work is because the callers sound so convincing.”
So before you get a call from an Officer Davis — or any other crook trying to part you from your money — here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
- The IRS will never call you to demand an immediate payment — never.
- The IRS will also never call to discuss any tax debt without first having mailed you a bill.
- Another immediate tip that you’re being scammed is if you’re told to run out and get a prepaid debit card to pay with or to give credit or debit-card information over the phone.
- Don’t count on what you see on your caller ID to stay safe. As I said, that can easily be spoofed. And…
- The IRS will never, ever threaten you with bringing in the local police or other law enforcement officers to arrest you for not paying.
Also, if you think you’ve been contacted by one of these imposters, immediately call your local police department and let them know.
Sources:
“Quick-acting bankers stop scam” Cliff Newell, February 18, 2016, Lake Oswego Review, pamplinmedia.com<br><br>
“Tax scams/consumer alerts” IRS, irs.gov
