Have you been contacted recently by someone claiming to be the IRS (Internal Revenue System)? Be careful. IRS impostor scams are on the rise as we approach tax season. Here’s what you need to know:
The Scam
In this type of scam, fraudsters pretend to be IRS officials and will often ask for your bank information. Most people see “IRS” and panic, so there’s already a level of urgency and scammers feed off of that. Their ultimate goal, as usual, is to get your money.
How it Works
Scammers will call, email, or text you with urgent messages regarding your taxes — these could include stating that you have a large refund waiting for you, telling you that you owe back taxes, or indicating there is a problem with your tax return. They even spoof caller ID to make their phone calls look official.
People hear “refund” and get excited. Scammers use this excitement to get you to go against your better judgement and hand over your bank info. With the promise of a “large refund” waiting for you, the impostors claim to need your bank account information in order to deposit the refund.
On the other hand, IRS impostors prey off of your fears as well. If you don’t pay them what you supposedly owe, they threaten you with consequences such as confiscating your license, suing you, arrest, or deportation. Their method here is to get you to pay them as quickly as possible.
Watch Out For
The truth is the IRS’s first contact with you will always be a letter in the mail. It’s not a phone call, email, or text message. So anytime you receive an initial communication or urgent message from “The IRS” via your phone or email, that’s spam.
Another red flag is how these so-called IRS agents request money from you. Official IRS agents will never ask you to pay with a prepaid debit card, wire transfers, or cashier’s check.
Protect Yourself
Don’t give in to scam artists’ sense of urgency, threats, or hassling. These are all tactics to get you to go against your better judgement — but we’re here to help you stay calm, educate yourself on these scams, and make rational decisions if you are targeted.
Has an IRS impostor contacted you? Report it at FTC.gov/impostors. Reach out to us here at Guthrie County State Bank if you have any questions!