{"id":1963,"date":"2016-10-20T14:11:44","date_gmt":"2016-10-20T14:11:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blockadvisors.com\/?p=1963"},"modified":"2025-01-24T13:18:24","modified_gmt":"2025-01-24T19:18:24","slug":"irs-phone-scams-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blockadvisors.com\/resource-center\/tax-services\/irs-phone-scams-what-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"IRS Phone Scams \u2013 What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Do you think the only way tax scammers can obtain personal information is through the internet? If, so you are wrong.\u00a0While many scammers obtain personal information via websites, IRS phone scams are the new way to breach data. In fact, since October 2015, the IRS has identified thousands of victims who have collectively paid more than $26 million as a result of IRS phone scams.<\/p>\n

Phone Scams: 101<\/h3>\n

Scammers can easy obtain personal information to fraudulently file a tax return from an unsuspecting victim. They will call to solicit your name, Social Security Number (SSN) and date of birth to then fraudulently file your taxes with the hope of getting your return.<\/p>\n

Scammers typically try to impersonate an IRS agent. Scammers might attempt to convince you that you are actually due for a larger refund. Or, they might try to convince you that you owe a large amount of back taxes and must pay them over the phone.<\/p>\n

They subsequently can make up a W-2 using your information and file a return claiming a refund in YOUR name, deposited into their bank account electronically.<\/p>\n

How to Protect Yourself<\/h3>\n

Here are a few strategies in case you are a victim of tax scams by phone:<\/p>\n

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  1. Do not provide personal information over the phone, even by text messages. Also avoid sending information via mail or online unless you have initiated contact with the recipient.<\/li>\n
  2. There are a few common red flags arise with phone scammers. Know that\u00a0<\/b>the\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/span>IRS will never do the following:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n