Scammers and identity thieves are always looking for an opportunity to con unsuspecting victims out of their money or personal information or get them to do something illegal with their taxes. Taxpayers should be on guard all year, especially around tax season, when the number of reported scams often increases. So, it’s time to remind filers once again that gift cards can’t be used to cover their yearly tax bill, even though they make wonderful presents.
You should speak with professional Aventura bookkeeping services if you have any questions.
But that doesn’t stop scammers from convincing people to pay a false tax bill using gift cards around the holidays. In addition, scammers may exploit a hijacked inbox to solicit gift card transactions on behalf of acquaintances.
How This Conspiracy Operates
- Scammers typically make phone calls pretending to be from the government in order to request gift cards. However, they’ll also ask for gift cards via email, phone message, or social media.
- The imposter calls the taxpayer or leaves a voicemail with a callback number, claiming the taxpayer is involved in illegal behavior and asking them to call back immediately. The victim is told, for instance, that his or her personal information was stolen and used to set up phony bank accounts.
- Scammers use threats or harassment to get their victims to pay a fake tax penalty.
- The taxpayer is told to buy gift cards from numerous retailers under the scammer’s direction.
- The con artist will next ask the victim for the card’s number and PIN after paying for the gift cards.
How to Verify whether the IRS is Calling?
Despite popular belief, the IRS will never:
- Demand payment over the phone using a specified method (for example, a gift card, prepaid debit card, or wire transfer). The IRS will typically send a notice in the mail if a taxpayer has an outstanding tax balance.
- Insist that people pay their taxes without letting them contest or dispute the amount they’ve been told they owe. Every taxpayer needs to know their protections.
- Use the threat of bringing in local police, immigration agents, or other law enforcement to have the taxpayer arrested if payment is not made.
- Pose a threat to the taxpayer’s immigration status, business licenses, and/or driver’s licenses.
If You Feel Like a Scammer Is After You:
Report a phone fraud to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. To report an IRS impersonation scam, visit their online reporting form. Additionally, they can reach us at 800-366-4484.
