IRS Scams: What They Look Like And How To Avoid Them

Ashburn VA

26 February, 2021

10:48 AM

Description

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — IRS scams are on the rise, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. Fortunately, authorities provided tips to help residents identify possible scams. Most IRS scams start with a call from an individual who claims to be with the IRS. They may even disguise their phone number so their number shows a Washington, D.C., area code. However, any call from someone purporting to be the IRS should be a red flag, authorities said. The IRS will always send a letter through the mail to settle any issues before attempting a phone call. Here are a few things that the IRS will never do, according to a social media post from the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. The IRS will not initiate contact over email or text to request personal informationThe IRS will not call to demand payment using any specific method of payment, such as prepaid debit card, gift card, cashier's check, or wire transferThe IRS will not demand you pay any taxes without allowing you to appeal. The IRS will not threaten to have you arrested by local law enforcement or immigration officers. The IRS also does not have the authority to suspend your license or revoke your immigration status. If someone claiming to be the IRS calls and demands money; hang up. If there are any legitimate concerns about taxes, people can call the IRS at 800-829-1040. Anyone who identifies a potential scam should report it to authorities. An IRS scam can be reported over the phone to the FTC at 1-877-382-4357. Residents can also report tax scams to the Treasury Inspector General at 800-366-4484. IRS scams can also be reported online on the FTC's complaint page. The FTC also encourages people to share this information with friends and family members, so they don't become victims. In 2020, the FTC recorded more than $1.1B in losses due to impostor scams. The average victim lost $850.