ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER
Before filing your 2015 tax returns, all taxpayers should prevent themselves from succumbing to fraudulent phone scams. There have been a number of cases where individuals have received calls from representatives claiming to be employees from the IRS (Internal Revenue Services)
According to the TIGTA, (Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration) roughly 3,000 taxpayers have fallen victim, and have collectively paid $14 million from fraudulent telephone calls that claim to be the IRS. TIGTA calls this IRS taxpaying scam as “proving to be the largest scam of its kind,” and that the fraudulent callers are aggressive, ruthless, and will relentlessly say anything to get the victim’s money. A common tactic used by fraudulent callers is telling their victims that they owe taxes, and must pay their outstanding fees with a pre-paid debit card, or wire transfers. IRS impersonators will also implement fear of arrest, deportation, or loss of business, for those that refuse to pay.
TIGA has noted that these tactics are commonly used by fraudulent callers:
• Use of common names and fake IRS badge numbers
• Making caller ID information appear to look like the IRS is calling
• Sending fraudulent IRS emails to follow up on the phone call
• Calling a second time, claiming to be part of the police or department of motor vehicles (DMV)
The best way to prevent one from falling prey to IRS phone scams is to hang up the phone immediately when asked to pay a sum of money over the phone. If IRS impersonators consistently call, one should file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
If you or someone you know has been a victim of the IRS tax scam, or suspects to have received fraudulent IRS phone calls, contact Evans Law Firm, Inc. for a free and confidential consultation at 415-441-8669 or info@evanslaw.com. Evans Law Firm, Inc. handles financial fraud cases such as insurance fraud, consumer fraud, banking fraud, and annuities fraud.
