As we inch closer towards April 15th, the number of phone calls pretending to be IRS will become more frequent. These scams take advantage of the public’s fear of IRS, making it sound like the victim will go to prison if they don’t agree to pay up.
Even worse, these scams are getting more sophisticated every year. They are now able to change their Caller ID so it looks like they are calling from a number in Washington D.C. In some cases, they even have fake managers to transfer your call to, in case you ask to complain.
Protect yourself against scam calls by learning the signs of a scam. According to IRS.gov:
IRS always sends a paper bill before the service center calls.
IRS never demands immediate payment over the phone using a specific method like a wire transfer.
IRS will never demand payment by prepaid debit or gift cards.
IRS will never threaten to bring in local police, immigration services or the FBI for non-payment.
IRS will never demand payment immediately without answering your questions.
IRS will never demand payment without providing you the right to appeal.
IRS will never require payment through a website other than irs.gov.
IRS will never call you about unexpected refunds that you need to claim.
Most scammers prey upon the fear and will attempt to rush you into giving them money or personal information. They will try to make you feel like if you don’t do something right now, there will be huge, immediate consequences.
If you think you are dealing with a scammer, just tell them that you are going to hang up and confirm that the liability is real with the actual IRS helpline. A real IRS employee would be fine with that, while a scammer will panic and try to keep you on the phone. Hang up, then call IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 and confirm the balance due is real with them.
Please share this with your congregation.