The IRS will not call about taxes owed without first sending written notice by mail.
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Typically, these swindlers allegedly claim they are IRS officials and tell you that you still have taxes that you need to settle.
New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is warning people against scammers posing as IRS officials.
“With tax season around the corner, hardworking New Yorkers can not afford to lose money to scam artists”, Schneiderman said.
· If a Social Security number has been compromised, contact the IRS ID Theft Protection Specialized Unit at (800) 908-4490.
“If someone unexpectedly calls claiming to be from the IRS and uses threatening language if you do not pay immediately, that is a sign that it is not the IRS calling, and your cue to hang up”, he advised. Legitimate government organizations will never threaten arrest or deportation for failure to pay a debt, and will never insist that consumers pay a debt only via a pre-paid credit card.
Authorities are reminding the public the IRS does not operate like this, and you should not give out bank information over the phone to these callers.
The Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker allows you to see scams going around your neighborhood or to investigate a questionable call you might have received. Remember, the IRS will not initiate contact about a tax issue via the phone or email.
If you do receive such a call, the Treasury Department recommended filling out an “IRS impersonation scam” form that can be secured from www.treasurytigta.gov.
“The safest thing to do is to say “no” and hang up”, the attorney general said.
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Consumers are encouraged to file complaints by visiting the Office’s website or calling 1-800-771-7755.
