Share:

At the end of tax preparation season, unscrupulous scammers often intensify their efforts to steal money or vital data from everyday taxpayers. Most often, these scams take the form of fake emails or robocalls threatening legal action and fines unless the person sends large sums of money or their Social Security Number. These scams continuously evolve, but knowing what to look for can help you avoid becoming a victim.

Common IRS Scams

IRS scams take many forms, but some of the most common include threats to cancel or suspend your SSN until you pay an unspecified amount in back taxes. In the IRS impersonation scam, the caller usually claims to be a revenue agent who needs to clarify information on your returns. After getting your SSN and birth date, they then sell the information to fraud organizations who will use it to steal your identity.

Scam artists are now able to “spoof” phone numbers, tricking your caller ID into telling you the phone number is from a trusted agency. For instance, many scam calls appear to come from the IRS’s Taxpayer Advocate Service center. While the number may match the one listed on the agency’s website, the caller is almost certainly trying to steal your personal information.

How to Avoid IRS Scams

tax preparationThe IRS never contacts taxpayers through email, text, or social media channels, and will never demand payment by prepaid credit card, gift card, or wire transfer. Agents will also very rarely call, and will instead initiate most contact through letters delivered by the USPS.

If you receive an email, text, or phone call purporting to be from the IRS or another taxpayer agency, it’s best to assume it’s a scam. Don’t respond to these requests for information, report any attempted scams to the Treasury Department, and always use a reputable tax preparation service who will keep your information safe.
 

If you received a letter from the IRS, turn to Donna J Troutman CPA PC, a certified public accountant with decades of experience serving taxpayers throughout the Lewisburg, PA, area. They offer a broad range of services, from tax preparation to audit representation, and have knowledge and resources to guide you through even complex issues. Visit their website for more on their tax preparation and other services, or call (570) 523-7337 to make an appointment today.

tracking