IRS Reminds People to Remain Alert to Scams

Scammers don’t take a summer vacation. With tax season completed, summertime tends to be a favorite period for scammers because many taxpayers have recently filed a return and may be waiting for a response from the IRS. Here are some things for taxpayers to remember so they can keep their personal data safe:

The IRS does not leave pre-recorded, urgent messages asking for a call back. In one scam, the victim is told if they do not call back, a warrant will be issued for their arrest. Other variations may include the threat of deportation or revocation of licenses. The IRS will never threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.

If a taxpayer receives an unsolicited email that appears to be from the IRS, they should report it by sending it to phishing@irs.gov. The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. The IRS initiates most contacts through regular mail delivered by the United States Postal Service.

Taxpayers should be on the lookout for any attempt to get them to disclose personal information like Social Security numbers, bank account information, or passwords. If in doubt, don’t give it out.