There have been several reports of con artists impersonating IRS agents in our area. They contact their victims by phone, explain they owe taxes, and then demand payment by prepaid debit card or wire transfer. If the victim refuses to pay, the con artist then threatens them with arrest, deportation, or the loss of their business or driver’s licenses.
Things to watch for:
• Scammers may be able to recite the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
• Scammers spoof the IRS toll-free number on caller ID to make it look as though it’s the IRS calling.
• Scammers may send bogus IRS emails to victims to support their bogus calls.
• Victims hear other callers in the background that makes it seem as if the scammer is calling from a call site.
If you receive such a call, DO NOT give them any information or money. Simply hang up!