Spot the Fake: IRS Scams in the Fall?!

Tax Season or Scam Season? Protecting Yourself from IRS Impersonators

Have you ever received a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, saying you owe money and must pay immediately? Or perhaps an email with an official-looking IRS logo threatening legal action? These situations can be confusing and concerning, especially when they come with urgent demands or threats. The good news is that with a few simple strategies, you can easily identify these common tax scams and protect yourself with confidence.

Why It Matters to You (Especially This Fall)

Tax scammers specifically target seniors because they often have retirement savings, own their homes, and have good credit. But here's what many people don't realize: scammers are particularly active in the fall because they know your guard is down about tax-related communications. You might think, "If the IRS is contacting me in September or October, it must be legitimate—after all, tax season is over, right?" That's exactly what scammers are counting on.

According to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Americans have lost over $72 million to IRS impersonation scams in recent years, with many of these scams happening outside of traditional tax season. But there's encouraging news—being aware of how the IRS actually operates year-round is your best defense, and with the right knowledge, you can quickly spot these imposters and keep your finances secure.

What You'll Learn in This Guide:

• How the IRS really communicates with taxpayers (and how they never will)
• Red flags that signal an IRS call, email, or text is actually from a scammer
• A real-world example of a common IRS scam and how it works
• Simple steps to verify any communication claiming to be from the IRS
• What to do if you think you've encountered an IRS scammer

How the IRS Actually Communicates with Taxpayers

The most important thing to know is that the IRS almost always makes first contact through regular mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. They don't initiate contact with taxpayers through phone calls, emails, text messages, or social media to request personal or financial information.

"But Martha from my book club got a call from the IRS about her taxes," you might be thinking. The truth is, Martha probably got a call from someone pretending to be from the IRS. These impersonators can be very convincing, but knowing how the real IRS operates makes them easier to spot.

How to Recognize IRS Scams: Red Flags to Watch For

Phone Call Red Flags

If someone calls claiming to be from the IRS, be suspicious if they:

• Demand immediate payment without first having mailed you a bill
• Require a specific payment method, like a prepaid debit card, gift card, or wire transfer
• Request credit or debit card numbers over the phone
• Threaten to bring in police or immigration agents to have you arrested
• Use aggressive or threatening language about immediate payment

Think of it this way: The IRS works at the speed of government—methodically and with plenty of paperwork. They don't call out of the blue demanding same-day payment.

Email and Text Message Red Flags

Be wary if you receive an email or text supposedly from the IRS that:

• Contains links to websites that look like the IRS but have slightly different web addresses
• Has attachments they want you to open
• Shows spelling or grammar errors in what should be official communication
• Asks for personal information like your Social Security number or bank details
• Creates a false sense of urgency with threats of penalties or legal action

A Real-World Example: The "Tax Due" Phone Scam

Let me share how one of the most common IRS scams works. You receive a phone call from someone claiming to be an IRS agent. They might even have some of your personal information, like your name and address, which makes them sound legitimate.

The caller says you owe back taxes and must pay immediately or face arrest, deportation, or license revocation. They insist on payment through gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers—methods that are difficult to trace or recover.

For example, they might say: "This is Agent Johnson from the IRS. Our records show you owe $4,328 in back taxes from 2019. If you don't make payment today, we have officers ready to arrest you at your home. You need to buy $4,000 in Target gift cards and read me the numbers over the phone to avoid arrest."

The real IRS would never:

• Call about taxes owed without first sending a bill by mail
• Demand payment without the opportunity to question or appeal the amount
• Require you to use a specific payment method like gift cards
• Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone
• Threaten to bring in law enforcement for non-payment

Simple Steps to Verify IRS Communications

If you receive a suspicious contact, here's what to do:

1. Don't provide any information. Never give out personal details, account numbers, or passwords.

2. Don't engage with the caller. It's perfectly fine to hang up. Remember, politeness doesn't apply to potential scammers.

3. Contact the IRS directly. If you're concerned you might owe taxes, call the IRS at 800-829-1040. Real IRS employees can help with tax payment questions.

4. Report suspicious emails. Forward suspicious emails claiming to be from the IRS to phishing@irs.gov, then delete them.

5. Verify notices by mail. If you receive a letter that seems suspicious, call the IRS directly or check your tax account information online at IRS.gov.

What to Do If You Think You've Been Scammed

If you believe you've fallen victim to an IRS scam:

• Report the incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov/complaint
• If you shared financial information, contact your bank immediately to protect your accounts

Stay Secure, Stay Confident

Remember, knowing how to spot IRS scams isn't about being paranoid—it's about being prepared. The real IRS respects your rights as a taxpayer and follows specific procedures when contacting you. By understanding these procedures, you can quickly identify scammers and protect your financial well-being.

Now that you know how to recognize IRS scams, why not make a simple reference card with the official IRS phone number to keep by your phone? At Cyber Smart Seniors, we're committed to helping you navigate today's digital world safely and confidently. Check out our related guide on "Recognizing Phishing Emails" for more tips on spotting online scams, or share this information with friends and family who might benefit. Together, we're building a community of scam-savvy seniors!

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