The IRS has recently brought out some useful guidance to help Taxpayers become aware and on the lookout for new variations of tax-related SSN scams. In the latest twist on a scam related to Social Security Numbers (SSN), scammers claim to be able to suspend or cancel the victim’s SSN. It’s yet another attempt by con artists to scam people into returning ‘robocall’ voicemails.
Scammers may mention overdue taxes in addition to threatening to cancel the person’s SSN. If taxpayers receive a call threatening to suspend their SSN for an unpaid tax bill, they should just hang up.
Make no mistake…it’s a SSN scam!
Taxpayers should not give out sensitive information over the phone unless they are positive they know the caller is legitimate. When in doubt –hang up. Here are some telltale signs of this SSN scam.
The IRS and its authorized private collection agencies will never:
Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, iTunes gift card or wire transfer. The IRS does not use these methods for tax payments.
Ask a taxpayer to make a payment to a person or organization other than the U.S. Treasury.
Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.
Demand taxes be paid without giving the taxpayer the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
Taxpayers who don’t owe taxes and have no reason to think they do should:
Report the call to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
Report the caller ID and callback number to the IRS by sending it to phishing@irs.gov. The taxpayer should write “IRS Phone Scam” in the subject line.
Report the call to the Federal Trade Commission. When reporting it, they should add “IRS Phone Scam” in the notes.
The above scams are not to be confused with a legitimate request of ID verification by the IRS, via a Letter 5447C, where the IRS will ask you to contact them so that they can verify your ID. Once your ID is confirmed the IRS will continue to process your tax return and issue a refund if applicable.