How does this phone scam work?
Targets of this scam Receive a phone call from someone Claiming to be from the IRS. They are Told money is Owed to the IRS And They must repay it time immediately via wire transfer pre-loaded debit card gold. If the target refuse to pay, the hostile and insulting callers Become and Often Threaten arrest, deportation or suspension of license compliance to strength. What makes this phone so sophisticated scam is the scammers' Ability to Manipulate spoof caller ID information to the IRS toll free number as well as local police / DMV numbers to scare people into paying. They will aussi use fake IRS badge numbers and send emails purporting to be from the IRS to Support Their box. In Some instances, the scammers Were ble to recite the last four digits of the target's social security number.
How can I protect myself from this and --other scams?
1. Check your source. The IRS is Reminding people That It usually contacts Taxpayers Who owe money on Their postal address by taxes at first, not phone. The IRS will never touch anyone via email, text messages or social media so you can be anything you safe by Receive Those channels is probably illegitimate.
2. Do not give out sensitive information. There is never Any reason for the IRS to request confidential information access PINs and passwords Such As to your bank, credit card or --other financial accounts. Be on your guard if someone requests That information and do not give it out over the phone or email. Also chorus from Giving out your social security number or personal information --other - tax identity theft goes hand in hand with scams like this. If you think you might owe money to the IRS, hang up and call the IRS official number at 1-800-829-1040. They will help you with you-even if repayment owe Any money at all.
3. Do not download attachments or click on unfamiliar links in emails. If They can not get your information over the phone, scammers May resort to tricking you through email. Even if an email looks Legitimate, remember que la IRS never Communicates with Taxpayers via email. Receive an email if you Claiming to be from the IRS, do not open attachments Any included with it or click links Within. Instead, forward the email to phishing@irs.gov then delete it from your inbox.
4. Harassment and threats? Probably not the IRS. Owing money to the IRS is no picnic, purpose They allow payment by installment and are Generally reliable to work with people. If someone calls and begins to time immediately Threaten you with Police Action Gold Becomes verbally abusive, you can be safe it is not a representative of the IRS. Should you Receive One of These scam phone calls, touch the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484 and file a complaint with the FTC's "Complaint Assistant" at FTC.gov.
In addition to Potentially losing money, Taxpayers shoulds be vigilant about protecting protective Themselves contre identity theft During tax season as well as Throughout the Year. This phone scam That shows scammers are getting more and more sophisticated In Their efforts, so it's up to Consumers to do what it takes to stay protected year round. Learn more about how to protect yourself at our identity theft protection blog.