New IRS Video Warns Taxpayers of Increasing Phone Scams

Tax scams are on the rise, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released a new video on YouTube warning taxpayers to be careful.

Scammers often call taxpayers, pretending to be from the IRS, and demanding immediate payment. The IRS has formal processes in place for handling tax issues and will not ask for credit card information over the phone or call you about taxes owed without first mailing you an official notice.

Other scammers may try to lure their victims into filing false claims for phony tax credits, nonexistent rebates, or refunds based on their Social Security benefits. They may use fliers or brochures advertising free money from the IRS. In the end, the victims not only lose any money they paid to the scammer, but they also learn their claims are rejected, and they may have to return any money wrongfully obtained to the IRS along with penalties and interest.

If you receive a phone call that you suspect to be a scam, hang up immediately and report it directly to the IRS office at 1.800.829.1040 (if you think you might owe taxes) or TIGTA at 1.800.366.4484 (if you don’t think you owe taxes). If you’ve been targeted by this scam, the IRS asks that you also contact the Federal Trade Commission via the FTC Complaint Assistant tool, and include the words “IRS Telephone Scam” in your complaint.