Scammers are calling taxpayers and threatening to have a magistrate come to their home unless they pay their IRS tax debts. The IRS has reported that it is seeing a significant increase in automated phone calls from con artists pretending to work for the IRS and demanding overdue taxes.
If you do not answer your phone, these criminals leave urgent callback requests on your voice mail telling you to call back to settle your “tax bill.” The bogus calls generally purport to be the last warning before the IRS takes legal action against unsuspecting taxpayers. When a victim calls back, the con artist threatens to arrest or deport the taxpayer or revoke their driver’s license if they don’t agree to pay up.
The scammers have increasingly been asking unsuspecting taxpayers to make the payment via iTunes gift cards and similar cards. The IRS pointed out that any request to settle a tax bill by using a gift card is a clear signal of a scam.
“It used to be that most of these bogus calls would come from a live-person,” said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen in a statement. “Scammers are evolving and using more and more automated calls in an effort to reach the largest number of victims possible. Taxpayers should remain alert for this summer surge of phone scams, and watch for clear warning signs as these scammers change tactics.”
Having received these phone calls ourselves, our concern is that unsuspecting taxpayers, their parents, extended family members, neighbors, colleagues and friends may fall prey to these criminals. Why one may think that these scams are obvious and nobody would fall them, there are many a taxpayer who has been scammed. It is important to discuss this scam with others to educate them.
If you want to discuss your business or personal tax planning, tax preparation and other financial concerns with an experienced tax professional, we invite you to call 610-594-2601 today to make an appointment at our Exton PA CPA office to discuss your situation. You can also schedule a consultation at Click Here.
