The IRS is calling for taxpayers to beware of automated calls from scammers demanding tax payments on various gift cards.
Advertisement
The IRS said it has seen an increase in “robo-calls” that leave urgent callback requests urging taxpayers to settle their bills.
The Batavia Police Department posted on their Facebook page that someone from New York City informed city officials from Batavia they received several calls from a phone number and person claiming to be with the City of Batavia collecting for the IRS.
When the victim calls back, scammers threaten to arrest, deport or revoke drivers’ licenses if they do not pay.
Payment has been demanded on iTunes and other gift cards, according to the IRS.
Call to demand immediate payment over the phone, nor will they call about taxes owed without sending a letter in the mail first.
Soliciting W-2 information from payroll and human resources professionals – IR-2016-34. “And watch for clear warning signs as these scammers change tactics”.
Never giving out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother’s maiden names, passwords or other identifying information in response to any suspicious or unexpected calls.
Password-protect your voicemail service; scammers can falsify your phone number and access your voicemails.
Threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.
“People are looking for a way to quickly gain access to people’s information, and one of the easiest and quickest ways is for people to give it to them themselves”.
Advertisement
People are advised to hang up immediately and report the call to the IRS or Federal Trade Commission.
