You’ve probably heard stories about IRS Tax Scams, people receiving calls from someone claiming to be with the IRS or SSA and demanding money.

How do you know if it’s the IRS or SSA? This blog post will discuss what you should look out for and how to protect yourself from falling victim to SSA or IRS tax scams.

Spotting an Impostor
First, you should know that the real IRS or Social Security Administration will never demand payment over the phone, threaten arrest, or ask for your credit card numbers or bank information. The IRS sends written notices through the mail before calling, and any phone call is always initiated by them. They also will never ask for payments in cryptocurrency or gift cards. So if you receive a call like this, it’s not from the real IRS!

Another red flag is that scammers use fake caller ID numbers that appear to be coming from Washington DC (202 area code) even though they are outside the US. They may also tell you they work at a specific agency branch, but no physical branches are nationwide.

Reporting Scams
If you receive a call like this, do not give out any personal information and hang up immediately. You can then report the IRS Tax Scams on the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration website or by calling 1-800-366-4484. It’s essential to report these scams so others don’t fall victim. To report allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse concerning Social Security Administration programs and operations other than those involving a Social Security Administration Scam, Please Click Here to submit a report online.

Receiving a call from someone pretending to be with the IRS is more common than you might think — especially during tax season! But it pays off to know how to spot a scammer and stay one step ahead by being aware of their tactics and knowing what steps you should take if you ever receive one of these calls. If someone claiming to be with the IRS contacts you, remember that they will never threaten arrest, demand payment over the phone, or ask for personal information such as credit card numbers or bank information. Protect yourself and your finances by staying informed on how to spot an impostor!