The IRS has been in the news lately, and not for good reasons. There have been an increasing number of reports of scammers posing as IRS agents to try and steal people’s money. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, it is important to know how to recognize a scam and what to do about it. This article will discuss the different types of IRS scams and tips on protecting yourself from them.
Common IRS Scams
Many scammers will pose as IRS agents to try and get your personal information or money. You can do a few things to protect yourself from these scams. First, be aware of the most common scams.
Phone call
One of the most common IRS scams is known as the “phishing” scam. In this type of scam, the caller will pose as an IRS agent and try to get personal information from the victim, such as their Social Security number or bank account information. They may also threaten to arrest or deport the victim if they do not comply. If you receive a call like this, do not give out any personal information and hang up immediately.
The caller could also request personal information so they can refund you. This is a scam, hang up.
Another common IRS scam is when scammers pose as representatives from the IRS on social media. They typically send a friend request to their target and send messages asking for personal information or money. Sometimes they will even promise a tax refund if the victim provides their bank account information. If you receive a message like this, do not respond and block the sender immediately.
You receive an email from the IRS.
Another way that scammers try to steal people’s money is by sending emails that appear to be from the IRS. These emails often contain attachments or links that, if clicked on, will install malware on your computer or redirect you to a fake website where you will be asked to enter personal information. If you receive an email like this, do not click on any links or open any attachments. You can forward the email to phishing@irs.gov and delete it from your inbox.
You receive a text message from the IRS.
Scammers will also send text messages in an attempt to steal personal information or money. These messages will often contain a link that, if clicked on, will take you to a fake website where you will be asked to enter personal information. If you receive a text message like this, do not click on the link and delete the message immediately.
Another common IRS scam
Another common IRS scam is the “hiring” scam. In this scam, the caller poses as an IRS representative and offers a job to the victim. They may even promise a large sum of money for the position. However, if the victim accepts the job, they will be asked to provide personal information such as their Social Security number and bank account information. The caller may also ask for a fee to process the application. This is a scam, and you should never pay any money or provide personal information to someone claiming to be from the IRS.
Purpose of these Scams
The purpose of these scams is to gain assess to your social security number. The thief then files a tax return giving them a refund using your name. The thief transfers the refund to a bank account they have set up.
If someone has fraudulently gained assess to your SSN, you will not be able to file a tax return because one has already been filed. You may receive notices from the IRS that you owe money or have refund offsets. Another sign is employees listed that you have not worked for.
Actions to take:
Fraudulent Email–Forward Email to phishing@irs.gov
Fraudulent Website–send the link to phishing@irs.gov
Fraudulent Phone Calls–call: 1-800-366-4484 or file an online report at IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting
You will have to take additional steps if your identity has been stolen. Clearing up after someone has filed a fraudulent tax form using your SSN can take up to 8 months. For additional information, see Taxpayer Guide to Identity Fraud.
You can also take steps to prevent your identity from being stolen in the first place. Always keep your personal information safe and secure, and never give it out to anyone unless you are absolutely sure that they are who they say they are. You should also shred any personal information documents before throwing them away. And finally, be sure to keep a close eye on your credit report for any suspicious activity.
FAQ
I think I may have been a victim of an IRS scam. What should I do?
If you think you may have been a victim of an IRS scam, you should first contact the IRS to report the incident. You can call 1-800-366-4484 or file an online report at IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting.
I received a text message from the IRS. Is it real?
It is possible for scammers to send text messages that appear to be from the IRS. These messages will often contain a link that, if clicked on, will take you to a fake website where you will be asked to enter personal information. If you receive a text message like this, do not click on the link and delete the message immediately.
How does the IRS contact you if there is a problem?
The IRS will generally contact you by mail if there is a problem with your tax return. They may also contact you by phone if they need more information about your return. If the IRS needs to contact you, they will usually do so through official channels such as the US Postal Service or by telephone. They will not email, text, or contact you through social media. If you receive any type of communication from someone claiming to be from the IRS, you should not respond and should instead report it to the proper authorities.
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