Avoiding Common Tax Scams: Tips from the IRS
They’re Calling, They’re Emailing, They’re…Scamming? Let’s Talk Tax Scams.
“Okay, so you get a call. Or it could be an email. Or a text. Suddenly, someone’s telling you there’s a problem with your taxes. They’re demanding payment, they’re threatening legal action, and they’re making your heart race. Sound familiar?
Yeah, tax scams are a real thing. And they’re not just annoying, they can be downright devastating. You work hard for your money, and some lowlife shouldn’t be able to steal it from you with a few manipulative tricks.
Here’s the thing: the IRS does contact people. But they do it in specific ways. They don’t just call you up out of the blue and start yelling. They don’t demand immediate payment with gift cards or wire transfers. And they don’t threaten you with arrest if you don’t comply right then and there.
So, how do you tell the difference between a real IRS communication and a scammer trying to take you for a ride? That’s what we’re going to talk about.
First, let’s get some basics straight. The IRS usually initiates contact through the mail. If you get a phone call or email out of nowhere, especially one that’s pushing you to act fast, that’s a huge red flag.
Another big one? Payment demands. The IRS will never ask you to pay with gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers. They’re not going to threaten you with immediate arrest if you don’t pay up. They’ll give you time, work with you, and not demand payment in some weird, untraceable way.
And then there’s the whole ‘personal information’ thing. Scammers love to fish for your Social Security number, bank account details, and other sensitive information. The IRS already has most of this information, and they’re not going to ask you for it over the phone or email.
Now, what if you think you’ve been targeted by a scammer? Don’t panic. Here’s what you can do:
- Don’t engage: Just hang up the phone or delete the email. Don’t give them any information, and don’t try to argue with them.
- Report it: Report the scam to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at their website or by calling 1-800-366-4484. You can also report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov.
- Check with the IRS directly: If you’re still unsure, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040. They can verify whether there’s a problem with your taxes.
Remember, knowledge is your best defense. The more you know about how tax scams work, the less likely you are to fall for them.
Here are some helpful resources from the IRS:
- IRS Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts
- Identity Protection
- Report Phishing and Online Scams
- Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA)
Stay vigilant, stay informed, and don’t let those scammers win. You’ve got this.”
