Taxpayers face the threat of this
tax scam at any time because it highly profitable for fraudsters year round. Unlike
the filing of fraudulent tax returns that typically occurs during the tax
season, the IRS phone scam can be carried out any time of the year.
It’s important to understand that
the IRS does not make phone calls to taxpayers to inform them that they owe back
taxes. They send a notice that includes the debt amount and how it can be paid.
The IRS never:
- Demands immediate payment
- Demands payment without giving the opportunity to question or appeal
- Asks for a specific payment method, such as a prepaid debit card
- Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone
- Threatens law-enforcement action for not paying
Taxpayers should never share any
personal, financial or tax information with any unverified sources. It’s
critical to keep this type of information secure at all times. Before
responding to any information requests, the identity of the party in question
should always be verified.
Calls with requests for
information should be ended immediately. Report the phone number to a law enforcement
agency, TIGTA at 1-800-366-4484 or at www.tigta.gov, the Federal Trade
Commission, or the IRS.
If you do owe
back taxes or think that you might owe, call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040
instead of replying to an unverified communication.