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Beware: Phone Scammers Impersonate IRS

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Beware Phone Scammers Impersonate IRS Copyright © 2014 Joan Y. Edwards”Beware: Phone Scammers Impersonate IRS” by Joan Y. Edwards

A scammer called me this week, posing as an IRS representative. I didn’t fall for it. I checked the internet to find out more about it. Please be alert and aware that this is going on all over the USA and scammers could choose your phone number to call.  They may call in person or leave a recording. They tell you a badge number and may tell you to call a certain number before the IRS takes action against you.

I reported the scam reported the scam and the number they called me from that showed up in my caller ID: http://www.treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report_scam.shtml

You can find out more information about the IRS scam at: http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Reiterates-Warning-of-Pervasive-Telephone-Scam

Here’s a portion of what that page tells you:

The IRS will notify you by snail mail if there is a problem with your return or taxes.

Here’s what I found out on the internet at

“Other characteristics of this scam include:

  • Scammers use fake names and IRS badge numbers. They generally use common names and surnames to identify themselves.
  • Scammers may be able to recite the last four digits of a victim’s Social Security number.
  • Scammers spoof the IRS toll-free number on caller ID to make it appear that it’s the IRS calling.
  • Scammers sometimes send bogus IRS emails to some victims to support their bogus calls.
  • Victims hear background noise of other calls being conducted to mimic a call site.
  • After threatening victims with jail time or driver’s license revocation, scammers hang up and others soon call back pretending to be from the local police or DMV, and the caller ID supports their claim.

If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, here’s what you should do:

  • If you know you owe taxes or you think you might owe taxes, call the IRS at 1.800.829.1040. The IRS employees at that line can help you with a payment issue, if there really is such an issue.
  • If you know you don’t owe taxes or have no reason to think that you owe any taxes (for example, you’ve never received a bill or the caller made some bogus threats as described above), then call and report the incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1.800.366.4484 or report it at: http://www.treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report_scam.shtml
  • You can file a complaint using the FTC Complaint Assistant; choose “Other” and then “Imposter Scams.” If the complaint involves someone impersonating the IRS, include the words “IRS Telephone Scam” in the notes.”

Please tell your family and friends so they can be aware, alert, and safe.

Celebrate you.
Never Give Up
Joan

Copyright © 2014 Joan Y. Edwards