IRS Scams Increase by 400%
Posted by: Timothy Weaver on 04/18/2016 10:46 AM
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The IRS reports that phishing scams and telephone calls have increased by 400% this tax season.
"We’ve seen continuing activity in these scams throughout the filing season," said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. "As the tax deadline nears, these criminals may try and trick honest taxpayers over the phone or via email, and people should remain vigilant. After the tax deadline, watch out for these scammers promising a refund or threatening you with an unexpected tax bill."
I can attest to the scam as I personally received a phone call threatening court action if I did not respond to a phone number provided and pay a fine.
Scammers use official-looking phishing emails that appear to be from the IRS, tax preparation companies, or the state revenue department. They will try to get the victim to "update their personal information" by clicking on links that could lead to malware.
If you receive a phishing email:
Don't reply to the message
Don't give out any personal or financial information
Don't open any attachments or click on any links
Forward the email to phishing@irs.gov, then delete it
Scammers have also been using phone calls to scam taxpayers into paying a bogus tax payment. They trick the victim into paying with cash, usually through a prepaid debit card or wire transfer.
Another telephone tactic that has recently been reported is that of scammers calling to verify tax return information. They attempt to get your personal information such as a social security number or bank account or credit card numbers.
To make the call look more authentic, scammers alter caller ID numbers to make it appear that the IRS or other agency is calling. They use official IRS titles and fake badge numbers to appear legitimate. They may also be armed with the victim's name, address, and personal information.
If you receive a phone call from the IRS asking for money :
Do not give out any personal information and hang up immediately
Report the call on the IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting web page or call 800-366-4484
Source: Avast
"We’ve seen continuing activity in these scams throughout the filing season," said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. "As the tax deadline nears, these criminals may try and trick honest taxpayers over the phone or via email, and people should remain vigilant. After the tax deadline, watch out for these scammers promising a refund or threatening you with an unexpected tax bill."I can attest to the scam as I personally received a phone call threatening court action if I did not respond to a phone number provided and pay a fine.
Scammers use official-looking phishing emails that appear to be from the IRS, tax preparation companies, or the state revenue department. They will try to get the victim to "update their personal information" by clicking on links that could lead to malware.
If you receive a phishing email:
Don't reply to the message
Don't give out any personal or financial information
Don't open any attachments or click on any links
Forward the email to phishing@irs.gov, then delete it
Scammers have also been using phone calls to scam taxpayers into paying a bogus tax payment. They trick the victim into paying with cash, usually through a prepaid debit card or wire transfer.
Another telephone tactic that has recently been reported is that of scammers calling to verify tax return information. They attempt to get your personal information such as a social security number or bank account or credit card numbers.
To make the call look more authentic, scammers alter caller ID numbers to make it appear that the IRS or other agency is calling. They use official IRS titles and fake badge numbers to appear legitimate. They may also be armed with the victim's name, address, and personal information.
If you receive a phone call from the IRS asking for money :
Do not give out any personal information and hang up immediately
Report the call on the IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting web page or call 800-366-4484
Source: Avast
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