Tax season is upon us and most people should have filed already. I hope you have, or at least asked for an extension! This is also the time of year that so many people get scammed by ASSHOLES out there pretending to be the IRS. Now, I know what some of you may be thinking…oh I’m smarter than that, or that only happens to old people. Or, there could be some of you who don’t even know about these scams!! Well, I am here today to share some tips of how to spot the scammers, what to do if someone tries to scam you, and share a story of a girlfriend (and new blogger) who was just recently scammed! I want all of you to be aware of the IRS tax scam, so that it doesn’t happen to your, or anyone you know.
IS THIS PERSON REALLY THE IRS?
Here’s a little tip for you on how to REALLY EASILY spot an IRS scammer. The IRS will NEVER EVER call you on the phone. The ONLY way the IRS communicates is via letters in the mail, so if someone is emailing you, or calling you they are not the IRS. Also, the IRS will never threaten jail time for owing them a few hundred, or thousand dollars. You would need to owe the government millions of dollars to be threatened with jail time and even then, you would be dealing with letters and the court system before that point.
PEOPLE ASKING YOU FOR MONEY
I already told you that the IRS would never call you, but even if they did, they would never ask you to pay them via gift cards. That is red flag number two!! One of the big scams right now is these people telling you that you need to go purchase Google Play, or iTunes gift cards that you then give the numbers on the back to them so they can take the funds off of them. This is so you have no recourse to get your money back and there is no way to trace those funds. The IRS only takes payment via check, or an ACH payment from your bank account. You would also receive a letter in the mail first stating why you owe and with a way to appeal if you don’t agree.
WHAT TO DO?
First of all, never give out any personal information to someone who is calling as the IRS. What you should do is hang up immediately and contact TIGTA to report the call. If you are concerned that you may owe the IRS, then call the IRS at the phone number listed on their website to talk to a real IRS representative where you can also report the phone call.
For more tips and information on dealing with IRS scammers check out this link on IRS.gov. Also, head on over to my girlfriend Cristina’s blog “Running on Crazy” to check out her story on how she got scammed! It sure was one hell of a day for her, poor girl.
Have you ever been scammed, or caught a scammer?
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*Photos taken by Ruthie Fonseca.
This is exactly why I have a voicemail on my phone and won’t answer if I don’t know the number. Scammers make me so angry because they prey on the innocent. The only time I received anything from the IRS was when I accidentally claimed myself and my parent’s claimed me. As you said, it was all done through the mail.
This is so good! Thank you so much for sharing all this information. It’s so sad people are doing those kind of scams using the name of the IRS. I had a weird phone call like that and then noticed it was a scam. Great post girl!
I was distracted by your gorgeous red boots! I love them, and they look amazing on you 🙂
Yes even my husband got a fake call from “tax dept” ! Gosh this is scary and risky!!
Though I love the stylish look and how you have used the coke bottle as a prop! LOVE IT
Good tip! I once had a scammer call me- couldnt even say my name right- saying the irs owed me back taxes and wanted my direct deposit info! No effin way. I said if its really the irs theyd send a letter so they can also send me a check and hung up.
Never got that check.
Gosh some people need a does of karma STAT! That someone would prey on peoples fear of the IRS irks me 🙁
So good! Thanks for your information.
Surprisingly I actually know someone who almost fell for one of these scams. You always do think you will know better but it pays to be aware!
Thankfully I have not been scammed. However my aunt was last year. They got her or thousands of dollars! Its a scary time out there.
These are great tips. I have never had an IRS scam but now I am more aware of what to pay attention to if I do! Thanks for sharing these great tips!
So sad that there are scammers out there. In the UK there was an issue with telehpne bank scams, I think at one point – it was on the news – just terrible x
Its knowledge and awareness people need. Great awareness to pass on. I’ve never had a problem, but I keep up to date with the latest scams.
It’s awful that people try to cheat others out of money. Thank you for sharing this information. It’s so important that people really understand this issue.
I get those calls a lot but like you said, it is smart not to give your personal information!
First off, love your outfit! And yes, on to the issue of IRS scammers theres this viral video where the scammer even asked the person to pay it off with Target gift cards. (??!!!) I mean seriously? It’s awful but I hope no one ever falls for these tactics so the scammers will stop ultimately
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