IRS Issues Reminder on What to Look for In Tax Scams

The Internal Revenue Service is issuing some important reminders after another scam report in the area.

Someone called WNEG recently and said that they received a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS.

According to that person, the caller told them they owed the IRS a significant amount of money and if they did not pay immediately or make arrangements to do so, they would be arrested.

IRS Spokesman Mark Green said there are a number of things to remember that will indicate the call is not from the agency.

“They call you about a tax issue without first mailing you,” said Green. “They demand payment without first giving you the opportunity to appeal the amount you owe. They require you to use a specific method for payment of taxes. They require you to use a credit card or debit card over the phone.”

He said another red flag is if they threaten to have you arrested or file a lawsuit.

Green said that the IRS will never ask for personal financial information, like a bank account or credit card number, over the telephone or via e-mail or text.

He said there are certain ways in which the IRS will contact an individual about a tax question.

“Our first contact generally is by mail,” said Green. “If you do get a call from the Internal Revenue Service, there is a good amount of information we will provide you to show you are indeed talking with the agency.”

The IRS said that if someone believes that they are the victim of a tax scam, they should first contact local law enforcement.