Is The IRS Calling Or Are You Being Scammed?
These days were all receiving more communication than ever before. We are inundated with communication from snail mail and emails to phone calls, text, and social media. One of the most significant downsides to our highly connected lives is how bad actors have learned to take advantage of good people. Scammers have found a seemingly endless number of ways to bilk people out of their money. One of those ways is by pretending to be representatives of the IRS, using U.S. mail, telephone, and email to use fear to pressure taxpayers to hand over their money. So, how are you supposed to tell the good guys from the bad guys?
Be Aware Of High-Pressure Tactics
To start, you must remain calm and remember that the bad guys try to take advantage of your anxiety. The IRS will never ask you to make a large payment under duress. If someone has contacted you in a threatening manner and asks you to pay them immediately, hang up, take a breath, and communicate with your accountant directly to confirm the request.
Check The Email Address
Representatives from the IRS will never contact you from personal email addresses. Always check to confirm that the email you're receiving comes from an address ending in irs.gov. Incoming emails from other email domains claiming to be the IRS should be considered fraudulent.
The IRS Doesn't Text
Beware of any text or social media contacts you get from someone claiming to be from the IRS. Just as they won't contact you from their personal email addresses, they will never contact you via text or social media. Initial contact from the IRS will always come through U.S. postage. If you ever get mail claiming to be from the IRS, you can call the official number and confirm with an agent.
IRS Agents Do Make House Calls
It's within the realm of IRS agents to make house calls, but if that happens, they will always be carrying credentials. If someone comes to your house claiming to be an agent of the IRS, request to see their two forms of official credentials: a pocket commission and a Personal Identity Verification Credential.
If there is anything we can impress upon you about avoiding scammers, there is always enough time to confirm IRS requests with your accountant. If you ever receive communication that leaves you uneasy, reach out to someone you trust before sending money to anyone. If you dont have an accountant, contact our office any time. We would love to help you.