The Internal Revenue Service is warning consumers about a recent phone scam that is circulating. With the fear of consequences for tax debt remain high among consumers who struggle to pay their liabilities, scam artists seek out and target them during their most vulnerable times. Here is what the IRS wants you to know about
The Internal Revenue Service is warning consumers about a recent phone scam that is circulating. With the fear of consequences for tax debt remain high among consumers who struggle to pay their liabilities, scam artists seek out and target them during their most vulnerable times. Here is what the IRS wants you to know about tax debt and collection scams:
First Contact
The IRS does not make phone calls to consumers who owe tax debts, at least not as the first point of contact. Typically, your first point of contact with the IRS over any tax related issues is going to be through a letter in the mail. Therefore, if you receive a phone call from someone claiming to represent the IRS you should take this as a red flag and hang up. These scam artists are likely to offer you false identification information like IRS badge numbers in attempt to gain your trust. Take down this information, but remain silent about your information and end the phone call.
Course of Action
It is important you not give any personal or financial information over the phone to anyone claiming to represent the IRS, or any other debt collector for that matter. Instead, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to inquire about your tax debt status. If you can verify that you do, in fact, owe the IRS money for unpaid taxes you can arrange a payment plan with a verified IRS agent over the phone. If you find yourself unable to arrange an affordable payment plan with the IRS or need help with other sources of debt, contact a bankruptcy attorney in New Albany to discuss your debt relief options.
Read more: http://online.wsj.com/articles/irs-phone-scams-remain-a-threat-1409443552
