PHOTO: According to the state attorney general, there has been an uptick recently in complaints regarding phone scams in which the perpetrator claims to work for the IRS. Photo Courtesy of haveigotppi.org.uk
By Forum Staff
State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman last week issued a consumer alert following a recent uptick in reports of telephone scammers posing as officials from the Internal Revenue Service.
The scams, identified by complaints and other evidence collected by Schneiderman’s office, often target seniors, students, and first-generation Americans.
“With tax season around the corner, hardworking New Yorkers cannot afford to lose money to scam artists,” the attorney general said. “The tactics used by these fraudsters are reprehensible, but following a few basic tips can help protect you and your wallet.”
In one particular scam, Schneiderman said, the caller often claims to be an agent or police officer from the IRS or Attorney General’s Office calling about a past-due tax balance that is owed. The caller will tell the victim that unless the debt is paid immediately, a team of officers will come to the victim’s home that day to arrest them.
The scammer will also request that the “IRS Tax Warrant” be paid with a Green Dot Card Money Card or Western Union MoneyGram. They also often use caller ID spoofing so that the victim’s box indicates that the “Internal Revenue Service” is calling, or displays the phone number of the IRS. Sometimes scammers will also ask victims for personal information such as a Social Security number in order to commit identity theft.
Schneiderman issued these tips to avoid falling victim to phone scams:
The IRS and Legitimate Government Agencies Never Demand Payment by Phone
If you owe money, you will receive a legitimate notice in writing that identifies the agency and the reason you owe money. Legitimate government organizations will never threaten arrest or deportation for failure to pay a debt, and will never insist that consumers pay a debt only via a pre-paid credit card.
Think of the Telephone as a “One Way Street”
It’s OK to give out information over the phone if you made the call to a number you know and trust such as your own bank, Schneiderman said. However, never give out personal information when you receive an unsolicited call. If you receive a call soliciting personal information, just hang up the phone, no matter what the caller ID says. If the caller says he’s from your bank and is checking on possible unauthorized withdrawals from your account, hang up the phone and then call your bank.
Beware If a Caller Asks to Keep a Conversation a Secret
A legitimate caller will never request that a conversation remain a secret, and you should immediately be suspicious. Whether the caller claims to be from the government, a bank, or a family member, requests for confidentiality should raise a red flag.
Just Say No!
You don’t have to be polite when you receive unsolicited phone calls, Schneiderman noted. The safest thing to do is to say “no” and hang up. Legitimate callers will typically also provide requests in writing. It is better to be guarded than to fall victim.
In addition to being vigilant consumers, New Yorkers should also report potential instances of fraud to his office, Schneiderman said.
Consumers are encouraged to file complaints by visiting ag.ny.gov or calling (800) 771-7755.
