Authorities in Connecticut have sent a nation-wide alert to warn consumers about a new flavor of the old “you owe taxes” scam. Police are investigating a consumer complaint that a man identifying himself as “IRS Special Agent Adam Spencer” called a victim stating that the victim owed $7,500.00 in back taxes from 2012. The caller demanded the money by 11:00am the next morning, stating if the consumer didn’t pay that he would be arrested.
The victim reportedly called relatives and raised the money. Per the caller’s instructions, the victim loaded the money onto ReLoadit Money cards, and then sent the codes to “Agent Spencer” for the full $7,500.
(Big Sigh) Ok, so one part of me wants to say let’s take a reality break here, but another part feels that this must not be known to a large percentage of our population since this (and similar versions of) scam is so popular. If it didn’t work, scammers would give up and move onto something else (like a work from home scam). So here are some tips from your friendly cynic – call them “Words To Live By:”
1.
If you owe back taxes, the IRS will NOT send you an email (while this doesn't directly relate to this case, let’s face it, people still fall for that too), nor will they call you and ask that you use a money services business to pay your taxes.
2.
If you are in deep to the point the IRS is considering arresting you for back taxes, you will not likely get a phone call; instead, you are going to get a personal visit you will never forget.
3.
Law enforcement doesn't tend to call you in advance to warn you about your imminent arrest; they just show up, unannounced.
4.
You don’t pay taxes using untraceable Money Cards.
A few tips from our friends at the IRS (all of this information is available via their website):
1.
Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and they will be able to confirm what, if any, REAL issues the taxpayer has that require attention, plus they can let you know if you are being scammed.
2.
Let’s face it - the tax collection process is lengthy. They won’t demand money the next day and they send correspondence strictly by mail first.
3.
If you receive a similar call, report the incident by visiting the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA)
IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting since the caller is impersonating the IRS.
Feel free to pass this information along to your consumers. In fact, you might want to share with your institution’s staff as well, since I’ve heard of more than one institution employee falling for similar scams.
Thanks for spreading the word.