We are in the first half of January and the scamming has already begun with scammers claiming to be from the IRS. This is the prime time of the year when thieves posing as the IRS call people and threaten them by saying that taxes are owed.
Please don’t fall for these scams. Stay vigilant. Remember that the IRS will never:
- Call and demand immediate payment using a specific payment method. You CANNOT pay any tax obligations using a gift card.
- Demand that payment be made without giving taxpayers the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
- Call you unexpectedly about a refund.
Should you get a call like this, record the number and hang up immediately. You can report the call by calling the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration number – 800-366-4484 or by using the IRS Impersonation Scam form found on the Hotline page of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
Don’t let your guard down and please impress upon any elderly loved ones that should they get such a call, the best thing is to hang up.