IRS Tax Tip 2020-32, March 9, 2020 Taxpayers should be aware that aggressive criminals pose as IRS agents in hopes of stealing money or personal information. The tax filing season is a prime time for phone scams because people are thinking about taxes. Here are some tell-tale signs of a tax scam along with actions taxpayers can take if they receive a scam call. The IRS will never: Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes. Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying. Demand that taxes be paid without giving taxpayers the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed. Call out of the blue about an unexpected tax refund. Taxpayers who receive these phone calls should: Hang up the phone immediately. Report the call to TIGTA using their IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting form or by calling 800-366-4484. Report the number to phishing@irs.gov and be sure to put IRS Phone Scam in the subject line. More information: Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts Report Phishing and Online Scams IRS YouTube Videos: Tax Scams – English | Spanish | ASL (obsolete) Dirty Dozen – English | Spanish | ASL Subscribe to IRS Tax Tips
