The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a warning about a new scam that is targeting taxpayers. In this scam, criminals pose as IRS agents and demand payment for back taxes. They may even threaten to arrest the victim if they do not comply. How can you avoid being a victim of this scam? Read on to find out!
What Is An IRS Scam?
An IRS scam is a phone call, email, or letter from someone claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) saying that you owe taxes. The scammers will threaten you with arrest, deportation, or loss of property unless you immediately pay them with a prepaid debit card, gift card, or wire transfer. They may also claim to be from the Treasury Department or other government agencies. These scams are sophisticated and use high-pressure tactics to trick people into paying.
Tips To Avoid Being A Victim Of IRS Scam
While the IRS scam can take many forms, there are a few common ways that criminals operate. Here are five tips to help you avoid being a victim of an IRS scam:
#1 Be Wary Of Unsolicited Calls Or Emails
- The IRS scam is a growing problem in the United States. Each year, thousands of people are scammed out of millions of dollars by con artists posing as IRS agents.
- The best way to avoid being a victim of this scam is to be wary of unsolicited calls or emails from someone claiming to be from the IRS. If you receive a call or email from someone claiming to be from the IRS, do not give them any personal information.
- Hang up immediately and delete the email. You should also contact the IRS directly to report the incident. By following these simple steps, you can help protect yourself from becoming a victim of an IRS scam.
#2 Do Not Click On Any Links Or Attachments
- There has been a recent surge in IRS scam emails, and many people have fallen victim to them. The scam works like this: you receive an email that looks like it’s from the IRS, asking you to click on a link or open an attachment.
- If you do, you’re taken to a fake website or download malware that can steal your personal information. The best way to avoid being scammed is to simply delete any emails that purport to be from the IRS. Don’t click on any links or open any attachments – just delete them.
- If you’re ever unsure about whether an email is legitimate, you can always contact the IRS directly to inquire. But in general, it’s best to err on the side of caution and just delete suspicious emails.
#3 Be Suspicious Of Anyone Who Asks For Payment
- If you owe taxes, the IRS will send you a bill in the mail that includes the amount you owe and instructions for how to pay. The IRS offers several options for payment, including checks, credit cards, or direct debit from your bank account.
- The IRS will never demand that you pay using a prepaid debit card, gift card, or wire transfer. If someone claiming to be from the IRS asks you to do this, it is a scam. If you receive a call or email from someone claiming to be from the IRS asking for immediate payment using one of these methods, hang up or delete the message.
- Don’t engage with the scammers; they will only try to trick you into sending them money. If you’re not sure whether a call or email is legitimate, contact the IRS directly to ask. Remember: the IRS will never ask for payment via prepaid debit card, gift card, or wire transfer.
#4 Be Wary Of Threats
- The most common type of IRS scam involves scammers calling people and pretending to be IRS
agents. They tell their victims that they owe money to the IRS and threaten them with arrest if they don’t pay up immediately. - Other scammers may send emails or letters that look like they’re from the IRS and make similar threats. If you get a call or letter like this, don’t panic. The IRS will never threaten to arrest you or demand that you pay immediately.
- Hang up the phone or throw away the letter, and report the scam to the IRS. By being aware of these scams, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.
#5 Do Not Give Out Any Personal Information
- IRS scams are on the rise, and taxpayers need to be aware of the dangers of giving out personal information to scammers. The IRS will never call or email taxpayers asking for personal information, such as Social Security numbers or bank account numbers.
- Scammers often pose as IRS agents and demand payment for bogus tax bills or threaten arrest if the taxpayer doesn’t comply. If you receive a call or email from someone claiming to be from the IRS, do not give out any personal information.
- Hang up immediately and report the call to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. You can also forward suspicious emails to [email protected]. By taking these simple steps, you can help protect yourself from becoming a victim of an IRS scam.
Conclusion
The IRS scam is one of many that people have fallen victim to in recent years. Ultimately, these scammers are trying to access your banking or credit card information so they can steal your money. You might not even know you have been a victim until you have lost thousands of dollars. Credit monitoring and identity theft insurance can help catch the problem early and prevent you from being further victimized. Thanks for reading!
