IRS Warns Taxpayers of New Phone Scam

The IRS issued a warning about a new phone scam that targets taxpayers. Criminals are now claiming to be calling from local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) to mislead taxpayers into paying non-existent tax bills. They accomplish this by programming their computers to display TAC phone numbers, which appear on the taxpayer’s Caller ID. If the taxpayer questions the demand of tax payment, the scam artist directs the taxpayer to IRS.gov to verify the local TAC office phone number. Once this has been done, the scam artist demands money, generally on a debit card. Fraudsters also have been imitating local sheriff’s offices, state Department of Motor Vehicles, federal agencies, and others to convince taxpayers the call is legitimate.

As Weaver clients and friends of the firm, we want to notify you of this scam and remind you that the IRS does not and will not ask for credit card numbers over the phone, nor will they request a pre-paid debit card or wire transfer. The IRS usually initiates contact through regular mail via the U.S. Postal Service.

If you receive one of these calls, please visit the IRS website for additional details and instructions on how to report an incident. If you have questions about this scam or any other tax matter, please contact your Weaver tax professional.