If you’re receiving calls from someone claiming that they’re the IRS saying that you owe them money: hang up. It’s a scammer. Aggressive and threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents remain a major threat to taxpayers, and they don’t just have it out for a particular age group. Anyone with a social security number is a target.
Lubbock resident, John Hester, recently had a run-in with an IRS phone scammer. He said he grew immediately suspicious when things just didn’t seem to add up.
“If the IRS says they are going to contact you, you’re going to get a letter,” said Hester. “If you get a phone call, laugh it off and hang up, because it’s a lie.”
If you have any concerns or worries, you’re always encouraged to call the police as well as visit the actual IRS website at www.irs.gov
“Anything that’s a demanding nature, ignore it,” said Lt. Ray Mendoza with the Lubbock Police Department. “The IRS will never ask for personal information over the phone. They will never ask you for a bank account information, they’ll never ask you to send cash or anything in the form of a debit card. We’ve heard all three come cross where they’ll demand the cash or demand the debit card to a certain address.”
And they’re not just calling from Unknown or 1-800 numbers anymore. As of late, they have even been using a new phone system that will show that their calls are from cities like Washington D.C. So if you do decide to pick up, always be sure to use caution.
“Just be aware. If you have any questions about it and if they call you directly, ask for a supervisor,” said Hester. They will probably hang up.”
Don’t become a victim.
