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IRS warns taxpayers of new phone scam across the country

Posted at 5:29 PM, Jun 15, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-15 17:29:44-04

The Internal Revenue Service warned taxpayers to beware of a new scam linked to the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).

Fraudsters call to demand an immediate tax payment through a prepaid debit card. The IRS said the scam is being reported across the country, so taxpayers should be alert about what the callers do.

In the latest twist, the scammer claims to be from the IRS and tells the victim about two certified letters allegedly sent to the taxpayer in the mail but the caller says they were returned as undeliverable.

The scam artist then threatens arrest if a payment is not made through a prepaid debit card. The scammer also tells the victim that the card is linked to the EFTPS system. The card is actually controlled by the scammer.

The victim is also warned not to contact their tax preparer, an attorney or their local IRS office until after the tax payment is made, the IRS said.

The IRS said EFTPS is an automated system for paying federal taxes electronically using the Internet or by phone using the EFTPS Voice Response System. EFTPS is offered free by the U.S. Department of Treasury and does not require the purchase of a prepaid debit card. Since EFTPS is an automated system, taxpayers won’t receive a call from the IRS.

Signs of a Scam:

The IRS (and its authorized private collection agencies) will never:

  • Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. The IRS does not use these methods for tax payments. Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes. All tax payments should only be made payable to the U.S. Treasury and checks should never be made payable to third parties.
  • Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.
  • Demand that taxes be paid without giving the taxpayer the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
  • Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

For anyone who doesn’t owe taxes and has no reason to think they do:

  • Do not give out any information. Hang up immediately.
  • Contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to report the call. Use their IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting web page. Alternatively, call 800-366-4484.
  • Report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Use the FTC Complaint Assistant on FTC.gov. Please add “IRS Telephone Scam” in the notes.

For anyone who owes tax or thinks they do:

The IRS said they do not use email, text messages or social media to discuss personal tax issues, such as those involving bills or refunds.