Scam IRS numbers are a popular option for scammers seeking to make a quick buck. They have figured out that the federal government issues a scary voice to the citizens of America.
When we hear that the IRS is calling, we’re much more likely to give into what they want.
We can always turn away telemarketers and bill collectors because we don’t think of them as priorities, but the IRS, it’s either pay or go to prison. How do we recognize these scam IRS numbers?
How To Recognize The IRS Scammers
The callers typically call and demand money or say that you have a refund due. They are doing their best to trick you into giving out your personal information. A lot of these scammers are very good at sounding professional. They always give out fake names and fake badge numbers. When you don’t answer the call, they leave a callback request.
Immediate Payment
The IRS never calls to demand payment without having mailed a bill first. If the call demands payment immediately without having sent a bill, it is a huge red flag. The scammers aren’t very patient so they won’t beat around the bush. If you hear something about using your debit or credit card to make a payment, just hang up and report the number. The IRS will never ask for payment information over the phone just like most reputable businesses.
Demand Full Amount
The IRS knows that people have a natural aversion to taxes. When you receive a call saying that you must pay taxes and you have no chance to appeal, that is a sign that it is a scam. The IRS gives you the chance to question the amount they say you owe. The appeals process is annoying, but well worth it if you have a tax bill. The scammers won’t “give” you the opportunity to appeal, but that’s because they can’t grant an appeals process in their fraudulent IRS.
Certain Payment Options
Again the IRS won’t ask for payment information over the phone, no matter the amount of your tax bill. The scam IRS numbers will seek payment, but they won’t just ask for credit cards or debit cards all the time, a lot of times they require a specific payment method for your tax bill. The scammers will ask for payment methods like prepaid debit cards because it is harder to trace than a standard or debit card transaction, also, prepaid debit cards can’t always have the transactions voided. Don’t ever use a payment method that can’t be voided when paying the IRS just in case the IRS makes a mistake.
Threaten Legal Action
The IRS won’t threaten legal action unless you owe over a certain amount and you have already agreed to terms on paying off your tax bill. Tax evasion is a serious crime because the government is a money hungry group that will never just get over being owed money. Paying taxes is a crucial part of being a citizen of a nation, if you don’t pay your taxes you’re in a lot of trouble, but the IRS won’t typically have you arrested because you can’t pay if you’re in jail. Some of the scammers will threaten to send the local cops or law enforcement groups in order to make sure you pay or arrest you for not paying. The IRS isn’t going to send your local police to arrest you for owing a few thousand bucks on taxes. They have bigger fish to fry.
Robocalls Are Illegal
These robocalls are illegal. The perpetrators aren’t exactly going to saunter off into the sunset if you report their misdeeds. The FCC estimated that there are nearly 2.4 billion illegal calls per month. Modern technology makes life easier but it makes scamming easier as well. The updated to the FCC rules permits telecom companies like Verizon and ATT to block the calls that they consider illegal or a drain on their resources. The companies can, but typically don’t do it because they don’t want to violate FCC’s call completion laws.
Fake Follow-up Emails Are Common
The fake follow up emails are a classic move of these losers. They try their best to seem legit, but they certainly don’t worry about actual legitimacy. When you see the emails you can recognize that they emails are from the scammers. If you look at any details on these emails, you’ll realize they are from fraudulent accounts. They consistently sport fake watermarks or fake web addresses.
IRS Mail
The IRS will send you a letter first it will say “REMEMBER: The IRS doesn’t initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information. In addition, IRS does not threaten taxpayers with lawsuits, imprisonment or other enforcement action. Recognizing these telltale signs of a phishing or tax scam could save you from becoming a victim.”
How To Handle The Call
Hang up on the scammer immediately. Ignore any emails or calls you may receive from them. If you do owe taxes you’ll get a letter. Once the letter is received, you make the call to the IRS. Do not open any attachments they may have for in the emails. They are likely viruses and will steal personal information while destroying your computer.
Expect Scammers
The reality in a technological world is that robocallers and scammers are finding new and creative ways to trick people into giving money. Calls, emails, and texts will continue to come as long as they continue to trick people into giving them money. The money is what they’re after and when they make that clear, you can hang up and ignore. Companies send you bills, as does the IRS. You won’t get a call without a bill first.
Be Cautious
Make sure you’re always cautious with your personal information regardless of the amount of money you have. Any amount of money being stolen makes the scammers believe their scam works so they keep pushing. Only give out personal information to trusted sources. If you think they don’t need to know or they are a scammer, don’t give them any information.