The IRS extended their filing deadline this year, so you have some more time to file your taxes. But the IRS scams are already back in action. Callers may claim to be from the IRS and say if you don’t pay them right away, or give certain personal information, you will immediately face consequences such as a lawsuit, deportation, or jailtime. Don’t give info, wire money, or send gift cards to these callers! Hang up, and if you are concerned that the IRS may really want to speak with you, you can call them at this number: 1-800-829-1040. You can also report IRS imposters to the Treasury Department.
Scammers may use similar tactics pretending to be other government agencies. A caller may say they need your Medicare number to get health supplies. Or, a scammer may say that your Social Security Number has been involved in suspicious activity and you must confirm your number or provide money or bank account information to prevent your accounts from being frozen. Sometimes, imposter licensing boards will call professionals and tell them their license will be suspended if they don’t pay up. We have even heard reports of imposters claiming to be from the Attorney General’s Office. Remember to hang up, don’t send money, and call a known phone number at a .gov website if you have any concerns that a government agency may really be trying to reach you. Remember, scammers are able to “spoof” phone numbers to make your Caller ID appear that the real agency is calling you when it isn’t!
IRS imposters are up to new tricks this year. There have been reports that scammers may try to contact people with a very official looking email pretending to offer your tax refund. When you click on the link, you may be asked for your personal info which can be used for Identity Theft. But the IRS will not contact you first by email; instead they will start by sending you a letter. If you do have concerns about your refund you can call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040 or visit their website to learn more.