Protect Yourself from Scammers Posing as IRS

Posted on August 31, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

The Indiana State Police are warning residents to be weary of people calling and posing as the IRS. A number of citizens in the northern Indiana have reported calls from individuals claiming to be an IRS representative, demanding money and threatening legal action. As the police work to stop the perpetration of these false calls, the IRS has provided a few tips to ensure your safety.

Scams can happen in a variety of ways such as phone calls, letters, emails and even knocking at your door. Generally, taxpayers will first receive several notices from the IRS through the United States Postal Service. If someone contacts you out of the blue, there is a chance it could be a scam.

It is important to note a few of things IRS absolutely does not do. The IRS will never demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe. An actual IRS representative will advise you of your rights as a taxpayer.

The IRS will not call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as prepaid debit cards, gift cards or wire transfers. Typically the IRS will mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes money.

If a person calls, visits or emails you threatening to bring in local police, immigration officers or other law-enforcement to arrest you for not paying, it is not an IRS agent. IRS agents also do not have the authority to revoke your driver’s license, business licenses or immigration status. These threats are common tactics from scam artists who are hoping to frighten people into paying.

A real representative from the IRS should always be able to provide two forms of credentials called a pocket commission and a HSPD-12 Card. The HSPD-12 is a government-wide standard for secure and reliable forms of identification for federal employees and contractors. You have a right to see or request these credentials if you’re ever approached by someone claiming to be from the IRS.

If you believe you are the victim of one of these scams, contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration by calling 800-366-4484 or visit the IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting Webpage.