IRS is warning people about a phone scam

The IRS is warning people about a phone scam targeting taxpayers, including recent immigrants, throughout the country. Victims are receiving phone calls saying that they owe money to the IRS and it must be paid immediately via wire transfer or a pre-loaded debit card. If the victim does not pay, they tell the victim they will be arrested, deported, or will have their business or driver's license suspended.

The IRS will not ask for credit card numbers over the phone, or a pre-paid debit card or a wire transfer. This scam has been happening in every state. The IRS will first contact people via mail, they will not call and demand payment over the phone. These scammers use fake names and IRS badge numbers, have the victim recite last four of their Social Security Number, have a spoof IRS toll-free number, send bogus emails, victims also hear background noise to mimic a call site. If a victim refuses to pay the scammers will also call back pretending to be from the police, or DMV and will have a spoof caller ID to appear valid.

If you receive one of these calls and you think you owe taxes call the IRS at 800-829-1040. If you receive one of these calls and you do not think you owe taxes please call 800-366-4484. You can also contact the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov to report this scam.

Please remember the IRS will not contact via electronic communication, including email and text messages to request personal or financial information. If you receive this type of communication do not open any attachments, and forward it to phishing@irs.gov.