The IRS saw an approximate 400 percent surge in phishing and malware scams in the 2016 tax season. Variations of these scams can be seen via text messages and e-mails. An aggressive phone scam targeting taxpayers has been making the rounds throughout the country as well.
The scammers have now decided to take another approach, hoping to lure in more victims. They are sending out letters stating you owe the IRS money for taxes. Although these scam letters are very identical to real IRS letters, below we point out some of the major differences.
If you receive any letter stating that you owe money for taxes, do NOT make a payment. Even if the letter is real, you may still not owe the money. Please bring the letter into our office and we can help you determine what steps to take.
Note that the IRS will 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
* Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement.
* Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.
* As for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
Don’t fall victim to tax scams. Remember – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You may report instances of IRS scams to TIGTA (Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration) at 1-800-366-4484. If you have any questions please call our office (775) 738-4845.