Let’s talk about IRS Scams.  Despite all of the warnings and news stories, too many people still fall prey to scammers.

Here are some quick tips to remember:

The IRS and/or its authorized collection agencies will NEVER:

1. Call to demand immediate payment — the IRS will usually communicate with you via US Mail..especially a first communication
2. Threaten to bring or send police or other law enforcement to have the taxpayer arrested
3. Demand that payment be made with no opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed
4. Ask for credit card information over the phone
5. Use email, text or social media to discuss tax issues such as bills or refunds

If you think you’ve been contacted by a scammer:

1.  Do not give any information and hang up immediately
2. Contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to report a call or email. Recipients should also send emails to phishing@irs.gov
3. Report it to the Federal Trade Commission. They should add “IRS Telephone Scam” in the notes.

If you have questions about contact from the IRS, Let’s Talk…

For More information:

• Taxpayer Bill of Rights
• How to know if it’s really the IRS calling or knocking at your door
• Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts
• Avoid scams: Know the facts on how the IRS contacts taxpayers