Close

Tax News

Watch Out for Fake IRS Calls and E-Mails

Share this article...

Watch Out for Fake IRS Calls and E-Mails

 

You may get a call, text or e-mail from a person saying they are the IRS. They may say you owe money and must pay right away. OR they may ask for your bank account information to send you a refund. This is a rip-off to get your money. Do not fall refund. This is a rip-off to get your money. Do not fall for it!

 

Here is how to tell if it is a rip-off

 

The Real IRS Will:

 

  • Send a letter or notice first before calling and will never e-mailing
  • Always identify themselves as an IRS agent and provide the employee ID
  • Let you ask questions about what you owe
  • Let you appeal what you owe
  • Give you several ways to pay what you owe

 

The Real IRS Will NOT:

  • Send a message on Facebook or Twitter to tell you about an outstanding balance or refunds
  • Tell you to use a prepaid debit card
  • Ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone
  • Say they will have you arrested for not paying
  • Say they will sue you for not paying.

 

If you get an e-mail that says it is from the IRS

(It is a scam- IRS DOES NOT USE EMAIL)

  • Do not answer it.
  • Do not open anything attached to the e-mail. It is likely a virus or worse.
  • Do not click on any links.

If you already clicked on the link?  Contact the IRS at Go to https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central and follow the instructions

  • Don’t give them your personal information , credit card or banking information.
  • Forward the email to [email protected] Then delete the email from your computer or phone

 

If you get a phone call

  • Ask for their name, employee badge number and a call back number. Then hang up.
  • Call the real IRS at 1-800-366-4484. Tell them the name and badge number
  • Ask the person that works for the IRS, if the previous caller is an IRS employee. If they do, call them back!
  • If the agent for the IRS says they do not work for the IRS, you have three options;
    • Send an e-mail to [email protected] with the subject “IRS Phone Scam.” and tell them any information about the call (i.e. phone number).
    • Contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at https://www.treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report_scam.shtml  on the internet.  Answer the questions on the page.  When you are done, click “Submit” at the bottom of the page.
    • Contact the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/Information#crnt&panel1-1 on the internet.  Click “Report Now”.  Next click “An Impersonator”.  New Click “Government Authority or Agency” and continue.   Answer the questions.  Put “IRS Phone Scam” in the Comments.

 

Remember you have rights as a taxpayer.  To see them go to www.irs.gov/taxpayer-bill-of-rights on the internet.

 

PDF
Printable PDF

Have a Question About This Topic?

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

NEVER MISS A STORY.

Sign up for our newsletters and get our articles delivered right to your inbox.

 

Track Your Refund

 
Track Federal Refund Check Federal Amended Return Refund

Check your State Refund

Client Login

 

Refer a Friend

.