#IRS #PhoneScams Scammers Target Elderly in IRS Phone Scams


Just a reminder to be aware of phone scammers posing as IRS agents in the hopes of stealing your money or accessing your personal information. Scammers love to prey on the elderly, so please take extra precautions for those members of your family that are elderly. Keep in mind that any demographic with a land line and that may have contributed or subscribed to a group in the past is more likely to land on a phone list used by scammers. The elderly are more likely to have donated to political or charitable campaign, or receive frequent callers from insurance, medical or other solicitors. Sometimes its easy to get confused.

Here are several things the IRS will never do:

· Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes.
· Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.
· Demand that taxes be paid without giving taxpayers the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
· Call out of the blue about an unexpected tax refund.

I actually took a call at my Mother’s home from a scammer. The scammer warned me that a warrant was out for her arrest, that the arrest was imminent and that I should take action immediately to avoid the arrest. It was fun to play along with them for a bit, but my patience wore thin and I cut them off.  I’m sure my parents got on a list because they’ve had the same land line for over 20 years, made contributions in the past and are on Medicare.

Please have a conversation with those elderly around you to protect them.



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