Scammers expand ways to impersonate the IRS

Published 2:55 pm Tuesday, July 7, 2015

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued a consumer alert July 2, to help taxpayers protect themselves from scam artists pretending to be from the IRS.

“If you get an unexpected phone call or email from someone claiming to be from the IRS and making aggressive threats if you don’t pay immediately, you should assume it’s a scam,” said IRS spokesman David Tucker. “The IRS will mail a written notification of any tax problem, not initiate contact by phone or email.”

The IRS says while phone scams continue, criminals have also started mailing or faxing falsified forms, notices and letters to taxpayers.

“Taxpayers need to know scam artists have started sending fake documents to trick taxpayers into sending money or ‘verifying’ their personal information that is then used to commit refund fraud,” Tucker said.

The IRS says to scrutinize any written correspondence you receive, and just because the IRS website is provided or a form or is listed on the IRS website does not mean what you received is legitimate.

“The bottom line is if you receive an unexpected call, fax or letter claiming to be from the IRS, contact the IRS directly,” Tucker said. “Call our toll-free number, 800-829-1040, to see if the IRS is really trying to contact you.”

If you get an email from the IRS that tells you to open an attachment or visit a website, report it.

“The IRS does not use email, text messages or any social media to discuss your personal tax issue,” Tucker said. “We receive thousands of reports every year from taxpayers who receive emails claiming to be from the IRS.  Don’t reply, open any attachments or click on any links. You should forward the email to phishing@irs.gov and delete it.”

For more information on reporting tax scams, go to IRS.gov and type “scam” in the search box.

Suspicious emails?

Don’t reply, open any attachments or click on any links. Forward the email to phishing@irs.gov and then delete it.

Call 800-829-1040 to see if the IRS is really trying to contact you.