Tax Season Brings IRS Scams

Sonora, CA – Tax season often brings out scammers.

With the tax filing deadline approaching, the scammers are out in full force and Tuolumne County Sheriff’s spokesperson Sgt. Andrea Benson shares her office is already receiving reports of scammers attempting to impersonate IRS employees.

Using scare tactics, such as, this is your final notice to pay the IRS or making threats that a warrant will be issued for your arrest, Sgt. Benson advises, “Simply hang up the phone. She stresses whatever you do, “DO NOT return the call or give out any personal information.”

To clarify what to look out for when receiving one of these fraudulent calls, the sheriff’s officials provided this list of what the IRS will not do:

• The IRS will not call you demanding immediate payment or ask for any identifying information.
• The IRS will not call you if you owe taxes, without first sending you a bill in the mail.
• The IRS will also not require that you pay your taxes a certain way such as making payment with a prepaid debit card, gift cards, Google play cards, or iTunes cards.
• The IRS will not ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone or threaten to bring in police or other agencies to arrest you for not paying.

As the elderly are typically the most vulnerable and targeted by these schemers, Sgt. Benson warns the community to contact them, along with other family members, neighbors, and friends regarding these types of shams. Those hit up by scammers can report it to IRS by calling 1-877-382-4357