March 31, 2016 (Des Moines, IA) Tax season is upon us and scammers continue taking advantage of Iowans. The Better Business Bureau is experiencing an increased volume of calls from individuals who have received an automated phone call allegedly from the IRS. The automated message asks the individual to use a callback number. Individuals that callback speak to a scammer claiming to represent the IRS.
How the Scam Works:
You get a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS. In the most recent version of this scam, the "IRS agent" informs you that you are being sued for unpaid taxes. She/he may give you a fake badge number and name.
The "representative" tries to pressure you into paying a fee by using a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. If you don't pay immediately, the "IRS agent" will issue a warrant for your arrest. No matter how much the caller threatens you, don't fall for it!
How to Spot an IRS Impostor Scam:
Here are some ways to spot an IRS scam.
1. Be wary if you are asked to act immediately. Scammers
2. The IRS doesn't call, text or email. The IRS won't call about payment or overdue taxes without first contacting you by mail.
3. Don't wire money or use a prepaid debit card. Scammers often pressure people into wiring money or using a prepaid debit card. It's like sending cash: once it's gone, you can't trace it. The IRS will never demand immediate payment, require a specific form of payment, or ask for credit card or debit card numbers over the phone.
4. If you owe taxes or you think you might, contact the IRS at 800.829.1040 or irs.gov. IRS employees can help you with payment issues.
5. If you know you don't owe taxes. Report the incident to the Department of the Treasury at 800-366-4484 or tigta.gov.
For More Information
Check out the IRS website to learn more about scams and report suspicious activity.
About Better Business Bureau: Better Business Bureau is committed to marketplace trust. For over 100 years, BBB has been creating a community in which businesses and consumers can trust each other through programs that encourage best practices, create marketplace role models, and denounce substandard business behaviors. People turned to BBB more than 132 million times last year, and BBB reviewed more than 4.5 million businesses and charities. BBB Serving Greater Iowa, Quad Cities and Siouxland, founded in 1940 and is one of 112 local, independent BBBs across North America. You can reach us at 515-243-8137 or online at bbb.org/iowa.
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