Don't Be a Victim of IRS Tax Scams

If you have any doubt, remember, the IRS will never contact you by phone or email.

I recently received a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, asking me to call back about my tax refund and telling me the matter was urgent.  The number did seem to be from Washington, D.C., but I'm still worried it might be a scam. What should I do

You are right to be suspicious. Every year during tax season, crooks come out with new scams to try to steal your personal information and money. They may call you or send an official-looking e-mail saying that the IRS needs your Social Security or bank account number to deposit your refund, or they may say you owe money and ask for your credit card number so you can make a payment. Sometimes they even threaten to have you arrested unless you send cash through a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. They may manipulate the caller ID to look like they’re calling from the IRS and may already have some information about you – such as the last four digits of your Social Security number.

The IRS will never call or e-mail you demanding immediate payment or asking for your credit card or bank account numbers and other personal information over the phone. If you think you may actually owe money, call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040.


Source: http://content.kiplinger.com/

Theresa Todman, Managing Partner/CEO of B&M Financial Management Services, LLC . Theresa specializes in bookkeeping, accounting, QuickBooks solutions, small business tax issues and consulting.