IRS Tax Scam … Beware !!

The third time is the charm!

Yesterday I received a THIRD call of late concerning a tax scam. Since it appears the crooks are on the prowl, here are a few quick notes to save you a headache and stress!

Beware of IRS Tax Scam

As is with most scams, urgency is their main weapon. Do not bite, logically, the IRS is never moving fast (that’s a joke …)

From the IRS:

An aggressive and sophisticated phone scam targeting taxpayers, including recent immigrants, has been making the rounds throughout the country. Callers claim to be employees of the IRS, but are not. These con artists can sound convincing when they call. They use fake names and bogus IRS identification badge numbers. They may know a lot about their targets, and they usually alter the caller ID to make it look like the IRS is calling ….

Note that the IRS will never:

• 1) call to demand immediate payment, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill;
• 2) demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe;
• 3) require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card;
• 4) ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone; or 5) threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.

With the fake caller id, they are emboldened, forceful and convincing. Of course, this is a busy time for all, making us even susceptible.

Do not bite !

Have a great day!

John A. Kvale  CFA, CFP

PS Pre-flu …Tamiflu and 48 hour quarantine from office … sorry family …YIKES