Callers
claim to be IRS employees, and they tell their intended victims that they owe
taxes that must be paid immediately using a prepaid debit card or wire
transfer. The fake IRS agents threaten those who refuse to pay with arrest,
deportation, or loss of a business or driver's license. The scammers have been
operating in every state in the country.
Here are some practices used by the
scammers that taxpayers should watch out for:
* Use of automated robocall machine.
* Caller gives fake IRS badge numbers.
* Caller knows last four digits of
victim's social security number.
* Caller ID is changed to appear as if the
IRS is the caller.
* A fake IRS e-mail is sent supporting
the scammer's claims.
* Follow-up calls are made claiming to
be from the police department or motor vehicle licensing office, with caller ID
again supporting the claim.
If
you receive one of these fake calls, complete the "IRS Impersonation Scam
Form" on TIGTA's website, or call TIGTA at 800-366-4484.
