In recent times, tax attorneys have seen a number of scams whereby individuals will use the IRS as a means by which to obtain 
information or money from people. With the digital age and access to information these scams and identity theft, relevant to tax issues and the Internal Revenue Service has increased. Recently the IRS has reported a SCAM that has been attempted against a number of taxpayers. The SCAM involves an individual calling a taxpayer and purporting to be an IRS revenue agent where in fact the individual does not work for the IRS. The fake IRS agent makes statements and intimidates the taxpayer into paying taxes that the taxpayer does not even owe!
The Internal Revenue Service has confirmed certain details to watch for regarding this SCAM, which are stated below:
– The Scammer will generally use common names and surnames to identify themselves as an IRS agent. For example, the Scammer may state, “Hi, my name is John Smith and I am revenue agent with the IRS.”
– The Scammer may know the last four digits of your social security number. Remember, just because someone knows the last four digits of your social security number, that does not mean or verify they work for the IRS. Generally, an individual working for the IRS would be able to tell you your entire social security number and be able to answer detailed tax related questions such as prior years taxable income or adjusted gross income.
– Emails have been sent by the Scammer in an attempt to support the phone.
– Thos receiving the “fake” phone call have reported hearing background noise during the telephone call, which would be similar to if you were speaking with an IRS agent or employee through a call center or IRS service center.
– The Scammer threatens the taxpayer with a jail sentence or the ability to revoke driving privileges.
– The Scammer has also hung up on the victims and called back a second time using an individual to impersonate a police officer or other authority figures.
In general, taxpayers should be aware that it is not normal to receive direct contact from the IRS unless you have already received IRS notices or spoken with an individual who is a revenue officer. Taxpayers should always be weary of giving any personal information or payment over the phone to an individual purporting to be from the IRS. To be safe, a taxpayer can always choose to call back the Internal Revenue Service at a service center. Phone numbers can be found online at www.irs.gov Further, if you do need to make a payment to the IRS, you call a service center, mail payment to the correct IRS center or use the online EFTPS electronic payment system.
A Denver tax attorney at The McGuire Law Firm can assist you in verifying a legitimate IRS tax debt if you are concerned. A tax attorneys can contact the IRS and speak directly with an agent on your behalf and obtain the necessary transcripts if need be.
