Scammers have become increasingly cunning in their attempts to deceive unsuspecting victims. One of their most common and disturbing tactics is fraudulent phone scams, particularly those pretending to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The goal is to trick people into believing they owe taxes and collapse sending them money. In this article, we will delve into the modus operandi of these scammers, spotlighting the red flags and the most effective ways to recognize and protect yourself from these fraudulent phone scams.
The IRS Voicemail Scam
The scam typically begins with a phone call from an individual claiming to represent the IRS. The scammer will leave a voicemail message, usually at a critical moment, making the recipient feel anxious and urgent. The message will claim that the IRS has launched an investigation into the person’s tax returns, and that they owe a significant amount of money in back taxes. The scammers aim to instill fear and panic, hoping the victim will rush into making a payment without thinking twice.
The scammers are skilled at manipulating the tone and language in their voicemail, making it sound completely official and convincing. They often target individuals who are already struggling financially, the elderly, or those who are unfamiliar with tax laws. However, while the scammers’ tactics are convincing, they are always illegal.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
To protect yourself from falling prey to this scam, it’s crucial to be aware of the red flags. Here are a few to watch out for:
* The IRS will never call you to discuss your tax debt on a phone number you provided to the IRS. Typically, they will only communicate through the mail.
* They will never ask for sensitive information such as your social security number or credit card information. Legitimate government agencies will never demand such information over the phone.
* Scammers often use generic greetings, while the IRS will know your name and address.
* The IRS will not threaten to send law enforcement to your house or restrict your passport if you do not make a payment immediately. These are scare tactics used by scammers to get what they want.
What to Do if You Receive a Scam Call
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, it’s crucial to remain calm and think before acting. Here are a few steps to take:
* Do not respond to the call. Ignore it.
* Do not make any payments to the scammer.
* Do not provide any sensitive information, such as your social security
