Always be aware of scammers but be especially aware during tax season. The most common scams come in the form of emails and phone calls, they will often use the IRS name, logo and fake websites to obtain information and sometimes money from unsuspecting citizens. The IRS will never demand payment over the phone, threaten legal action, or threaten to contact the police.
If you receive an email that you believe is a scam – forward it to: phishing@irs.gov and then delete it. Don’t reply to the email or open any of the attachments.
If you receive a phone call that you believe is a scam ask for the caller’s name, badge number and call back number if available. Call 1-800-366-8488 to determine if the caller is an IRS employee or a fraud. If the caller was not an IRS employee report the incident to Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at www.treasury.gov/tigta, click on the red button on the left side of the page that says “IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting” for instructions.
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