Stay Safe from the IRS Phone Scam

Last updated on August 26, 2014

The IRS phone scam began even before the 2014 tax filing season and was called the largest tax scam ever of its kind. Sadly, it did peter out with the tax filing season, and still continues, claiming victims from across the country.

The scam is carried out by the scammers pretending to be from the IRS, asking taxpayers to pay their unpaid taxes and threatening them with severe punishment if they do not. To date, this tax scam has victimized thousands of taxpayers and led to a loss of more than $1 million.

Taxpayers are still receiving calls where the caller pretends to be an IRS agent, demanding payment of tax debt. Those taxpayers that have a tax debt are more likely to fall victim to the scam, as they expect the IRS to collect the back taxes. Those taxpayers that suspect that they may have a tax debt can also fall for the scam.

The aggressive pressure tactics of the scammers often lead taxpayers into sharing their financial and tax information with the scammers even if they do not transfer money. This leads to financial and tax crimes.

To stay protected from this tax scam, taxpayers must never share sensitive information or transfer money, even if the caller threatens with aggressive collection methods. It is best to authenticate the identity of the caller or to call the IRS to verify the claims of the caller. Taking time to act will ensure that the right decision is made.