What is an "IRS Scam"?

An "IRS Scam" is a fraudulent scheme where scammers impersonate the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to deceive people into giving them money or personal information. These scams can take various forms, such as phone calls, emails, or letters, and they often use fear and urgency to manipulate their targets.

How Does an IRS Scam Work?

1. Phone Scams: A scammer calls, claiming to be from the IRS, and tells the victim they owe taxes that must be paid immediately to avoid arrest or other legal consequences. They may demand payment through wire transfers, prepaid cards, or gift cards, which the IRS never accepts as payment.

2. Email Phishing: Scammers send emails that appear to be from the IRS, asking the recipient to provide personal information or click on a link that leads to a fake website. The website is designed to steal sensitive information like Social Security numbers or bank account details.

3. Fake Tax Refunds: Scammers contact people with the promise of a tax refund, but they need to verify personal information first. They use this information to commit identity theft or other fraud.

4. Threatening Letters: Victims may receive letters that look official, demanding payment for a supposed debt to the IRS. These letters can be convincing but often include errors or suspicious details.

How to Handle an IRS Scam

1. Stay Calm: Scammers rely on fear and urgency. The real IRS will never demand immediate payment or threaten you over the phone.

2. Verify the Caller: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the IRS directly at their official phone number. Do not call back the number provided by the scammer.

3. Do Not Provide Personal Information: Never give out personal or financial information over the phone or through email, especially if the request is unsolicited.

4. Report the Scam: Report suspicious emails to phishing@irs.gov and suspicious phone calls to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 1-800-366-4484.

5. Check IRS Communications: The IRS typically contacts people through mail, not phone or email. If you receive something that looks like it’s from the IRS, verify its legitimacy through the official IRS website.

Conclusion

Being aware of IRS scams is the first step in protecting yourself from them. Always be cautious when someone asks for personal information or payment, and remember that the IRS will never demand immediate payment over the phone or via email. Stay informed and vigilant to keep your information safe.

Keep yourself safe and read up on more scams:

www.scammerpreventionhq.com