IRS Warns of Targeted Scams

Once again, the IRS has issued warnings of scams targeted at taxpayers. 


Phone Scams

Aggressive con artists will call you and impersonate IRS agents, claiming that you owe the IRS hundreds and even thousands of dollars in back taxes.  They try to bully you and tell you that you will be arrested.  Some even claim they have arrest warrants.  They will then demand that you make a payment to them to avoid arrest.  They will do whatever they can to get your personal information and money.  They also use alternate caller IDs to make it look like the IRS is calling you.  IGNORE THESE CALLS OR HANG UP ON THEM. 


The IRS and the State will NEVER call you directly or email you.  Correspondence is only sent via U.S. Mail.


Phishing and Email Scams


The IRS saw an approximate 400 percent surge in phishing and malware incidents in the 2016 tax season.  Scam emails are designed to trick taxpayers into thinking these are official communications from the IRS or others in the tax industry, including tax software companies. These phishing schemes can ask taxpayers about a wide range of topics. Emails can seek information related to refunds, filing status, confirming personal information, ordering transcripts and verifying PIN information.


Variations of these scams can be seen via text messages, and the communications are being reported in every section of the country. The IRS is aware of email phishing scams that appear to be from the IRS and include a link to a bogus web site intended to mirror the official IRS web site. These emails contain the direction “you are to update your IRS e-file immediately.” The emails mention USA.gov and IRSgov (without a dot between "IRS" and "gov"), though notably, not IRS.gov (with a dot).


These emails are not from the IRS.  The sites ask for Social Security numbers and other personal information, which could be used to help file false tax returns. The sites also may carry malware, which can infect people's computers and allow criminals to access your files or track your keystrokes to gain information.


Remember:  The IRS and the State will NEVER call you directly or email you.  Correspondence is only sent via U.S. Mail.  NEVER give out your personal information over the telephone or in email to anyone.  Do not open documents or links that you do not know.  

My business will also never request your personal information or for you to open any documents or links.  We use state of the art encryption software, VPNs, the best security suite software and anti-theft software. 

If you receive any mail correspondence from the IRS or State, please contact me as soon as possible.