Apparently, enough people are getting wise to the phone
calls from scammers impersonating IRS agents that the scammers have started a
new method to take your money. According to the AARP, IRS scammers continue to
call either “live” or with robocalls. But in addition, they are also sending falsified
forms through the mail or by fax to try to reinforce the fear and their credibility.
They can easily copy legitimate IRS forms and use them for their fraudulent
purposes.
As of August, there has been at least $20 million in
consumer losses because of the IRS scam so far this year and 600,000 consumers
have reported to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA)
that they have been contacted by an IRS scammer.
According to AARP analysis, people are wising up to the
scam, at least somewhat. By sending fake notices in the mail, scammers look
more legitimate and they think that they can be more effective in getting money
out of their victims. After all, law enforcement agencies have been pointing
out that the IRS does not make a first contact by phone, but will send you
notices by mail.
So, it might pay you to be suspicious of notices supposedly
received from the IRS. If you want to be sure that an IRS notice is legitimate
call 1-800-829-1040 or go to your nearest IRS office (https://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-Your-Local-IRS-Office-1).
The IRS will not:
·
Ask for payment with a prepaid debit card or
wire transfer. These payment methods are hard to trace, can be redeemed anywhere
around the world, and of course are preferred by the scammers.
·
Demand immediate payment over the phone.
·
Threaten you with arrest by local law
enforcement for not paying
AARP Fraud Watch Network:
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