IRS scam calls are a growing problem in the United States, with thousands of individuals falling victim to these fraudulent schemes each year. “Scam artists often leave threatening robocall messages or emails pretending to be the IRS,” says Yahoo! News, “warning of arrest, deportation, or even that your Social Security number will be canceled if you don’t pay up or take some action.”

These scams typially involve criminals posing as IRS representatives, calling individuals, and demanding payment for supposed back taxes or fines. The scammers often use aggressive tactics, threatening arrest or legal action if their demands are not met.

On this page, we will examine the IRS scam call problem in depth, exploring the tactics used by scammers, the potential consequences for victims, and what individuals can do to protect themselves.

IRS Scam Calls Tactics

Scammers often use a variety of tactics to trick individuals into handing over their money or personal information. They may claim to be IRS representatives and may even use fake badge numbers and caller ID information to make the call appear legitimate.

They may also threaten victims with arrest or legal action if they do not pay up. Additionally, some scammers may use scare tactics, such as claiming that the victim’s bank account will be frozen, or their assets seized if they do not pay.

“In many cases, the caller becomes hostile and insulting,” says the IRS.

Here is a list of things scammers often do that the IRS never does:

• Demand payment over the phone
• Recommend payment via prepaid debit card, gift card, wire transfer, etc.
• Reach out by phone before sending a notice by U.S. Mail. In other words, if you haven’t received a letter from the IRS, the phone call is probably a scam.
• Threaten your legal status (having you arrested, deported, etc.)
• Insisting on payment without letting you ask questions about the “debt” or giving you a chance to appeal it
• Request debit or credit card numbers over the phone

Consequences for Victims

Falling victim to an IRS scam call can have serious consequences, both financially and emotionally. Not only may individuals lose money to scammers, but they may also be left feeling violated and helpless.

Additionally, some victims may experience anxiety or depression because of the scam. In some cases, victims may also suffer legal consequences if they inadvertently provide the scammers with personal information that is used to commit identity theft.

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Protecting Yourself from IRS Scam Calls

The best way to protect yourself from IRS scam calls is to be informed and vigilant. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, do not give out any personal information or make any payments over the phone. Instead, hang up and report the call to the IRS.

Additionally, be aware of common IRS scam call tactics, such as threats of arrest or legal action, and do not fall for them. It is also a good idea to sign up for the IRS’s “Do Not Call” list, which can help to reduce the number of unsolicited calls you receive.

Nerdwallet lists some red flags to be mindful of when you get a call from someone claiming to be with the IRS.

1. They’re calling you first. (Remember, the IRS opens contact primarily through U.S. Mail, except in rare circumstances.)
2. You found a prerecorded message on your voicemail. If an IRS agent needs something from you, he or she will call you. They don’t use prerecorded messages.
3. The caller isn’t familiar with an HSPD-12 card. “Real IRS agents have two forms of identification: a pocket commission and an HSPD-12 card,” says Nerdwallet.

Furthermore, the caller should be happy to send you a picture of it. If they do send one to you, check its authenticity. Go to the IRS website to verify that it recognizes the caller’s credentials.

4. The caller insists that you give a credit or debit card over the phone to pay the balance due. This is a telltale sign of an IRS scam call. Never pay your taxes to the IRS under any circumstances. The U.S. Department of Treasury takes tax payments.

Still Not Sure if It’s an IRS Scam Call?

“Criminals impersonate IRS employees and call taxpayers in aggressive and sophisticated ways,” says the IRS. When scammers catch taxpayers off guard and behave with urgency, it’s important to slow down and take a deep breath.

The IRS can be scary for several reasons, but they won’t assess a sudden penalty. Contact a tax professional. They can determine whether you’re truly communicating with the IRS. Then, you can sleep better at night with peace of mind.

On the other hand, if you are dealing with the IRS and you have a sudden issue, the tax professional can sort it out for you. At Advanced Tax Team, we pride ourselves on achieving the best possible results that our clients qualify for. Then, we’ll negotiate a comfortable payment plan for you with the IRS.

We have an A rating with the Better Business Bureau and no complaints. Call us today for a free consultation. We’ll discuss the details of your situation so that we can advise the best path forward. There are no high-pressure sales and no obligation to hire our firm.

Conclusion

IRS scam calls are a growing problem in the United States, with thousands of individuals falling victim to these fraudulent schemes each year. These scams can have serious consequences, both financially and emotionally.

To protect yourself from IRS scam calls, it is important to be informed and vigilant, and to be aware of common scam tactics. Additionally, you can sign up for the IRS’s “Do Not Call” list, which can help to reduce the number of unsolicited calls you receive.

Remember, the IRS will never call and demand payment over the phone, do not fall for such a scam and report it to the authorities. If you have questions or need additional information, we invite you to call us at 877.959.0975.

Resources

1. “Avoid Scams: Know the Facts on How the IRS Contacts Taxpayers.” Internal Revenue Service, https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/avoid-scams-know-the-facts-on-how-the-irs-contacts-taxpayers.
2. Parys, Sabrina. “Latest IRS Scams: How to Spot Them and Fight Back.” NerdWallet, https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/taxes/avoid-irs-scams.
3. “Tax Scams / Consumer Alerts: Internal Revenue Service.” Tax Scams / Consumer Alerts | Internal Revenue Service, https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scams-consumer-alerts.
4. “Taxes 2023: How to Avoid Scams This Filing Season.” Yahoo! News, Yahoo!, https://news.yahoo.com/taxes-2023-how-to-avoid-scams-this-filing-season-164934483.html#:~:text=Scam%20artists%20often%20leave%20threatening,up%20or%20take%20some%20action.