How to Protect Yourself from Scammers Posing as IRS

The following are some of the most prevalent IRS scams:

• Phone Scams

1. 1. 1. Scammers often call and threaten arrest, deportation, or other harm if the victim doesn’t comply with their requests.
      2. It is also possible that the scammers will demand immediate payment via wire transfer, prepaid debit card, or gift card.

• Email and Text Message Scams

1. 1. 1. Scammers send fake emails or text messages that appear to be from the IRS, asking for personal information or payment.
      2. They may also include links to fake websites that look like the IRS website.

• Identity Theft Scams

1. 1. Scammers steal personal information, such as Social Security numbers, to file fraudulent tax returns and claim refunds.
   2. They may also steal tax preparers’ identities to file fraudulent tax returns.

• Phishing Scams

1. 1. 1. Fraudsters send fake emails or websites posing as legitimate businesses or organizations and ask for personal information and payments.

      2. They may also use spear phishing, which is tailored to target specific individuals or groups.

• Offshore Tax Avoidance Scams

1. 1. Scammers hide assets or income offshore, set up abusive tax shelters and retirement plans, misuse trusts, or hide income with fake documents.

To avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes, it’s important to be aware of these scams and how to spot and report them. IRS personnel will never call, text, or email you to ask for personal information or to demand immediate payment. If you receive a suspicious call or correspondence, report it to the IRS immediately.

Tips on How to Spot IRS Scams 

IRS scams can be difficult to spot, as scammers use various tactics to trick people into sending them money or personal information. Here are some tips on how to spot IRS scams:

• Be cautious when receiving unsolicited phone calls, emails, or text messages.

1. 1. The IRS will never call, text, or email you to demand immediate payment or ask for personal information
   2. If you receive a suspicious call or correspondence, hang up or delete the message and report it to the IRS

• Look for red flags that indicate an IRS scam.

1. 1. Scammers may threaten arrest, deportation, or other harm if you don’t comply with their requests
   2. They may demand immediate payment via wire transfer, prepaid debit card, or gift card
   3. They may want personal information such as Social Security numbers or bank account details.

• Verify the legitimacy of an IRS communication.

1. 1. If you receive a call or correspondence from the IRS, verify the caller’s or sender’s identity by asking for their name, badge number, and callback number
   2. You can also call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to confirm the legitimacy of the communication

IV. How to Protect Yourself from IRS Scams 

Protecting yourself from IRS scams is essential to safeguard your sensitive financial information and personal identity. Here are some safety recommendations to assist you:

• Safeguard your personal information:

• • Be cautious about sharing personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account details, especially in response to unsolicited calls, emails, or text messages.
  • Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources, as they may contain malware designed to steal your information.

• Be aware of common scam tactics:

• • Scammers often use scare tactics, such as threats of arrest, deportation, or other harm, to pressure victims into complying with their demands.
  • Remember that the IRS will never demand immediate payment or ask for personal information over the phone, email, or text.

• Verify the legitimacy of IRS communications:

• • If you receive a call, email, or text claiming to be from the IRS, independently verify its authenticity by contacting the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040.
  • Be cautious of fake websites or emails that mimic the IRS’s official communications.

• Report IRS scams:

• • If you suspect that you have been targeted by an IRS scam, reach out to IRS for help on their Report Phishing Email address.
  • You can also report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint.

By following these tips, you can protect yourself from falling victim to IRS scams and prevent financial loss and identity theft. 

V. How to Get Revenge on IRS Scammers 

In order to protect your sensitive financial information and personal identity, it is imperative that you protect yourself from IRS scams. You can stay safe by following these safety measures:

Make sure your personal information is secure:

1. Avoid sharing personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account details, with unsolicited calls, emails, or texts.
2. You should avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources, because they may contain malware.

• Be aware of common scam tactics:

1. 1. 1. Scammers often use scare tactics, such as threats of arrest, deportation, or other harm, to pressure victims into complying with their demands.
      2. The IRS will never demand immediate payment or ask for personal information over the phone, email, or text.

• Check the legitimacy of IRS communications:

1. 1. 1. Contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 if you receive a call, email, or text claiming to be from the IRS.
      2. Be cautious of fake websites or emails that imitate the IRS’s official communications

• Report IRS scams:

1. 1. 1. If you suspect that you have been targeted by an IRS scam, report it to the IRS by forwarding suspicious emails to [email protected]
      2. You can also report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint.

• Seek legal action against IRS scammers:

1. 1. If you have fallen victim to an IRS scam and suffered financial loss, consider contacting local law enforcement or a lawyer specializing in fraud cases.
   2. Provide them with any evidence or documentation you have regarding the scam to aid in the investigation and potential legal action against the scammers.

By following these tips, you can protect yourself from falling victim to IRS scams and prevent financial loss and identity theft. Stay vigilant and always verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from the IRS.

Conclusion 

The last thought that we have for all of you reading this article is that IRS frauds are becoming a significant worry for taxpayers.  The most effective method to avoid getting scammed is to detect fraud early and prevent financial loss and theft of your identity. Scammers use a variety of techniques, including phone calls, emails, and text messages, to deceive individuals into falling into their trap and stealing their money and personal information.

By being cautious, looking for red flags, and verifying the legitimacy of IRS communications, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes. If you believe you have been the victim of an IRS scam, contact the IRS or the Federal Trade Commission immediately. Remember that information is power when it comes to preventing tax fraud, so be aware and protect yourself against IRS scams.