Scam claiming IRS action targeting area residents

Scams are not a new occurrence. Although many people recognize suspicious calls, it is always good to be aware of potential scams, and what can be done if scamming occurs.

Recently, multiple residents have claimed to have been contacted by a caller claiming they are from the IRS, and demanding payment on an IRS case against them. The caller sounds official, and even gives the victim an official sounding case number. Several calls of this type have been known to show a 206 area code on caller identification devices.

These are not the first types of scam calls claiming IRS action. According to the Internal Revenue website, scams have included asking the victim to use a pre-paid debit card or wire transfer to pay outstanding debts. If a victim refuses to cooperate, the caller then threatens legal action, including arrest, deportation, and suspension of a business or driver’s license.

According to the IRS website, taxpayers will never be contacted by phone on the first contact to settle a debt, nor will the IRS ever ask for credit or debit card information over the phone. Most first contacts will be made from the IRS by mail.

Callers who believe they have been contacted in the scam who believe they might actually owe back taxes are encouraged to contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040. If the taxpayer is certain they do not owe taxes, or if the caller made threats similar to those above, it can be reported to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800- 366-4484.

It is important to remember that the IRS will not attempt to collect debts over the phone. Staying calm and knowing this simple fact can help prevent financial loss that can occur due to scams such as this.