The IRS is not calling to sue you

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is top-of-mind for many these next two months and scammers are leveraging that to steal just enough of your identity to do things like file a fraudulent tax return in your name that qualifies for a tax refund. But, of course, that refund won’t be going to your address or bank account. It will go to the scammer’s.

Ferndale neighbors are reporting they have received phone calls from people claiming to be with the IRS threatening to sue for back taxes and penalties. The gist of these scams is to get the victim so upset they will do just about anything to make it end. This includes giving out personal information like social security numbers, birth dates, addresses, amounts of from their last tax filing, etc. Just the kind of information the scammers need to rip off the IRS in your name and make your relationship with the IRS even more difficult than it already is.

These calls can start off something like,

Hello, we have been trying to reach you. This call is officially a final notice from the IRS, Internal Revenue Service. The reason of this call is to inform you that IRS is filing a lawsuit against you.

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According to people who actually work at the IRS, It couldn’t possibly be the real IRS. Why?

• When you have a tax problem, the IRS will first contact you by mail, not by phone.
• The IRS won’t threaten arrest, deportation or loss of a driver’s license.
• The IRS won’t demand that you make payment right away.
• The IRS won’t ask you to wire money, pay with a prepaid money card, or ask you to share credit card information over the phone.

So what should you do if you get a call like this?

• Don’t give the caller any information
• Write down the caller ID information (name and phone#) if available
• Hang up and do not call back
• If you are still concerned, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 or go to IRS.GOV
• File a complaint with the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at tigta.gov or call 800-366-4484
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov or call 877-382-4357 (877-FTC-HELP)
• Warn your friends and family