Protect yourself and your loved ones from IRS impersonators
June 13, 2024
This Saturday marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which aims to foster a better understanding of the neglect and abuse faced by millions of older adults, focusing attention on the contributing cultural, social, economic, and demographic factors.
Many scams target older adults by pretending to be government officials, aiming to steal sensitive personal information and money. By posing as representatives from agencies such as the IRS, or other government agencies, these fraudsters use fear and deceit to exploit their victims.
As part of this day of awareness, we wanted to highlight some common IRS scams and tips for what to look for so you or a loved one don’t fall victim to one of these scams.
Lookout for these RED FLAGS
Claims of Problems or Prizes
Scammers frequently fabricate scenarios, such as outstanding debts or promises of significant prize winnings. Victims may be falsely informed that they owe the IRS money, are owed a tax refund, need to verify accounts, or must pay fees to claim non-existent lottery winnings.
Pressure for Immediate Action
Scammers often create a sense of urgency, demanding that victims take immediate action without allowing time for reflection. Common tactics include threats of arrest, deportation, license suspension, or computer viruses to coerce quick compliance.
Specified Payment Methods
Many scammers will insist on unconventional payment methods, including cryptocurrency, wire transfers, payment apps, or gift cards. Scammers employ this tactic to complicate traceability if reported.
Contact Initiated By Phone, Email, or Text Message
The IRS will always notify you of any issues, tax bills, or refunds by mail first. If you receive an unexpected call from someone alleging to be from the IRS, but you have not been notified by mail about any issues, you should hang up immediately.
What to do if you receive a suspicious call
If you receive communication claiming to be from the IRS and you are questioning the validity, here are a few ways you can verify the legitimacy and guard against scams.
Call the IRS directly at one of their registered numbers to confirm the validity of any questionable communication. Do not use a call back number given to you by the caller, even if the caller ID indicates the call is from the IRS. Scammers are able to "spoof" the phone number that will show up on your caller ID making it look like the call is coming from the IRS.
View the status of your tax account on www.IRS.gov. If you have any tax bills or refunds due, this will be listed on your IRS online account.
Reach out to your CPA! Our firm has frequent and regular communication with the IRS and can help you identify red flags, confirm the status of your IRS account, or help you address the matter if it turns out to be legitimate.
remember, The IRS will NEVER…
Demand immediate payment via prepaid debit cards, gift cards, or wire transfers.
Threaten to involve the local police or other law enforcement agencies.
Demand payment without allowing opportunities to dispute or appeal the amount owed.
Request credit, debit, or gift cards numbers over the phone.
Resources
IRS Customer Service: 800-829-1040
IRS Customer Service for the Hearing Impaired: 800-829-4059
IRS Scam Reporting Hotline: 800-366-4484
Report IRS Scams Online:https://www.tigta.gov/reportcrime-misconduct
National Elder Fraud Hotline*: 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311)
*This resource can assist you if you have fallen victim to a scam or fraud scheme and allows you to report other types of fraud that may not be specifically related to IRS impersonation.