How To Avoid Tax Scams

In today’s world, scammers are running rampant, especially tax scammers. Even though we all usually know a scammer when we see one, IRS scams are still frightening. Let’s say you receive a notice from the IRS. It might look like an official tax notice from the IRS. The letter indicates that after attempting to get in touch with you, they are going to levy you. Like any person, you’ll start to freak out that the IRS knows something about your taxes you don’t know. However, you don’t ever remember the IRS attempting to get in touch with you before. Perhaps you know that you’ve never even had any tax debt to pay. However, you call the number on the letter anyway. When the IRS agent answers, they tell you to pay your tax debt or face the consequences.

Whatever you do – don’t pay the IRS if you think it sounds fishy!

Getting IRS Scam Notices: Don’t Panic

You might worry that the IRS agent over the phone sounds real. In general, the IRS is an intimidating organization. So, even when you get a fake IRS call, it’s understandable to be afraid. Especially if the fake IRS agent is threatening to levy your bank account or seize your house. Whatever you do, don’t provide your payment information over the phone. If you do, you can run the risk of the tax scammers taking everything from you. You will probably check your bank account the next day and find your entire savings gone. Moreover, if you tried to contact the fake IRS number you called earlier; you’ll find it disconnected. So, you call a real IRS agent, and they tell you there is no tax debt balance on your account.

If this happens, you were just the victim of a tax scam.

Tax Scams Are Real

Every year, millions of taxpayers will receive tax scam calls from people pretending to be IRS agents. Using scare tactics, they’ll try to get you to pay up. Don’t be afraid of these malicious emails and fake letters, these are tax scam tactics.

Below we will break down these different forms of communication and the various tactics they will take to gain your trust and steal your money. If you’re receiving these tax scam notices from the “IRS,” contact a tax attorney right away. Platinum Tax Defenders can help you confirm that the tax scam alerts are indeed scams.

However, so you are prepared if you receive these fake letters, here are ways to identify a tax scam.

Common Signs Of Tax Scams

If you are receiving communications in the forms below, from people pretending to be IRS agents, it’s a tax scam.

Automated Voicemails: This is one of the most common forms of tax scams. You receive automated voicemails on your phone saying you owe taxes and there’s a warrant out for your arrest. These callers might ask for your Social Security number or bank account number. Beware, they will empty your bank account if you give them your number!

False Emails and Phone Calls: The IRS will never call you regarding your tax debt without first sending you a bill. The IRS recently sent out a warning to taxpayers about IRS tax scams. Criminals are trying to convince taxpayers they are calling from the Taxpayer Advocate Service. Remember, TAS does not initiate calls to taxpayers. Generally, taxpayers will reach out to TAS for help.

Don’t Give In To Tax Scammers

It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between a fake IRS letter and a real one. If the notice is a tax scam, it will ask you to call the number on the note. However, once they have your phone number, the tax scammers will bully you.

Other ways to identify if you’re a victim of tax scammers are:

• The tax scammers threaten to arrest you, deport, you revoke your license.
• Tax scammers will ask you to pay up immediately.
• They give you information on how to pay. The IRS will never dictate how you pay your tax bills.
• IRS scam calls will ask for your credit or debit card information over the phone. Note: The IRS will never ask you to give payment information over the phone! If the caller asks you to read off your credit card number, that’s a red flag.

Protect Yourself Against Tax Scammers

Remember, the IRS will never ask for your bank account or credit card information over the phone. Understanding this critical difference between the IRS and tax scammers will protect you. The IRS will also never demand that you pay back your debt right away. Before you must pay, the IRS will send you multiple noticed in the mail.

Should the IRS claim your tax returns are wrong, they give you a chance to prove it’s not. If you’re receiving tax scam calls about tax discrepancies, remember that. Lastly, the IRS will never call you and tell you they are going to sue or arrest you. Make sure you always verify from where the source of IRS communication is coming. It’s scary to think you might owe the IRS. However, it’s even more terrifying knowing that IRS scammers are out there trying to steal taxpayers’ money.

Avoid Tax Scams: Verify Who Is Contacting You From The IRS

First, you always want to be aware of potential tax problems you have. That way, if you get a tax scam call claiming there’s a problem, you’ll know. Also, always verify whom you’re speaking with and where your money is going. You can contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040. Also, you can visit the IRS’s website to learn how to ensure you won’t get scammed.

Contact Platinum Tax Defenders About Tax Scams

If you’re a victim of a tax scam and want to make sure, call Platinum Tax Defenders today. Platinum Tax Defenders have years of experience working and dealing with the IRS. The Platinum professionals will be able to know right away if your communications are tax scams. The expert tax relief team includes tax attorneys and x-IRS attorneys who are familiar with tax law and the IRS. Before you lose all your money to tax scammers, call Platinum Tax Defenders.