Key Highlights :
Scammers are gearing up to unleash fake texts, phone calls and emails that appear to be from the IRS, but US officials reveal tips on how to avoid being duped into handing over money.
According to a report from the US Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), scammers are now using fake IRS emails and phone calls to try and extract money from taxpayers. In a report released last week, TIGTA warned that scammers have been using fake IRS emails and phone calls to try and extract money from taxpayers for years, but the problem has become more prevalent in recent months.
The report found that in fiscal year (FY) 2017, TIGTA received reports of taxpayers being targeted by scammers who posed as representatives from the IRS. In total, TIGTA received reports of taxpayers being targeted by scammers who posed as representatives from the IRS or the Treasury Department’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID).
According to the report, the scammers use fake IRS emails and phone calls to try and extract money from taxpayers by claiming that they have received a notice from the IRS demanding payment for taxes that have not been paid. The scammers also use fake IRS emails and phone calls to try and extract money from taxpayers by claiming that they have been accused of tax evasion and need to pay a fine immediately.
TIGTA recommends that taxpayers do not respond to any suspicious emails or phone calls from the IRS. TIGTA also recommends that taxpayers do not give out personal information, such as bank account numbers, in response to any suspicious emails or phone calls from the IRS.
US officials also warn taxpayers about the dangers of falling for scams. In a statement released last week, the IRS warned taxpayers about the dangers of falling for scams, including fake IRS emails and phone calls. The statement from the IRS warns that taxpayers who receive a suspicious email or phone call from the IRS should not respond and should contact their tax professional for help.
The IRS also warns taxpayers about the dangers of giving out personal information, such as bank account numbers, in response to suspicious emails or phone calls from the IRS. The IRS also warns taxpayers about the dangers of clicking on links in suspicious emails or phone calls from the IRS.
The IRS warns taxpayers about the dangers of becoming a victim of a scam in a statement released last week. The statement from the IRS warns that taxpayers who become a victim of a scam should not respond to the scammer and should contact the police or the IRS. The statement from the IRS also warns that taxpayers who become a victim of a scam may lose money, be unable to access their money, or be forced to pay money to the scammer.