If you have received a phone call, purportedly from the IRS claiming it is suing you, you are not alone.  A rash of these scam phone calls is spreading across the Triangle and I have been one of their targets along with many of my friends and neighbors.

The IRS is warning that it seeing a surge in aggressive and threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents.  Over 5,000 victims have collectively paid $26 million as a result of scams, according to the IRS.

These scammers are persistent sometimes calling 3 or 4 times a week.  There are many variations of the same theme, but they all want to trick you into giving them your money.  Scammers demand payment for a bogus tax bill by sending cash through a prepaid debit card or wire transfer.  The elderly are often victims.  But, the crooks try to swindle just about everyone.  Many phone scams use threats to bully and intimidate a victim into paying.  They may even threaten arrest.  These robocalls originate from outside the United States, notably Nigeria, India, Russia, Ukraine, and China.

The IRS will never call to demand immediate payment.  Nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill.  There are some things you can do.  First and foremost, hang up and do not call the phone number they provide.  Above all, do not give out any information.

If you want to report a scam call you’ve received, dial 1-800-366-4484 and report the scam.  Remember to stay vigilant and be wary of unsolicited phone calls demanding money.

 

— Walt Mack

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