Tax Scams / Consumer Alerts

Tax Scams / Consumer Alerts

Thousands of people have lost millions of dollars and their personal information to tax scams. Scammers use the regular mail, telephone, or email to set up individuals, businesses, payroll and tax professionals.

The IRS doesn’t initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information. Recognize the telltale signs of a scam. See also: How to know it’s really the IRS calling or knocking on your door: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/how-to-know-its-really-the-irs-calling-or-knocking-on-your-door

The IRS will never do the following:

• Never – call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail you a bill if you owe any taxes;
• Never – threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying;
• Never – demand payment without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe; and
• Never – ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

The IRS says to hang up immediately if you do not owe taxes or do not think you owe taxes. Do not give any information. Contact TIGTA at https://www.treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report_scam.shtml to report a scam.