The Internal Revenue Service warned of a new twist on an old phone scam to trick taxpayers into paying non-existent tax bills.
In the latest version of the phone scam, fraudsters are able to fake or “spoof” the Caller ID to display the local Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) telephone number. The fraudster invites the taxpayer to look up the local TAC office telephone number online to "verify" the phone number. The fraudster hangs up, waits a short time and then calls back a second time after the taxpayer has “verified” the phone number. The fraudster then resumes their demands for money.
Fraudsters also have been similarly spoofing phone numbers for local sheriff’s offices, state Department of Motor Vehicles, and other government offices to convince taxpayers the call is legitimate.
Taxpayers receiving such calls should report them to the IRS using the IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting form, https://www.treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report_scam.shtml or by calling 800-366-4484 or by emailing phishing@irs.gov with the subject line “IRS Phone Scam.”
Note that the IRS will NEVER:
● Demand that you use a specific payment method. ● Ask for your debit or credit card numbers over the phone. ● Threaten to bring in local police, immigration officers or other law enforcement to have you arrested for not paying. ● Threaten to revoke your driver’s license, business licenses, or immigration status.
