How to Detect IRS Phone Scams

12/9/2015 - By Zachary Farrington

The IRS is urging taxpayers to be fully aware of the on-going phone scam. Criminals are posing as IRS representatives to steal identities and sensitive information from unsuspecting victims. They specifically target immigrants, older generations and those that speak English as a second language.

Here are 5 helpful tips to help you identify if you are being targeted:

1. The IRS will initially send you an official notice in the mail before calling
2. The IRS will not request for a specific type of payment (i.e. wire transfer, pre-paid debit card)
3. The IRS will not ask for credit/debit card numbers over the phone
4. The IRS will not use scare tactics or bully you by threatening your arrest, deportation or revoking licenses
5. The IRS will not deny you the right to question or appeal their request for payment

To report an incident, please call the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at (800) 366-4484 or visit these website to report your incident:

To stay informed about current threats to watch out for, please visit the IRS Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts Website to learn more.

The IRS takes professionalism seriously and they have formal processes in place that uphold the fundamental rights that are included in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. If an IRS representative is being aggressive, you have the right to report their behavior.

Please feel free to contact our Tax and Accounting department for the questions or concerns you may have regarding IRS phone scams.