Scam Alert: IRS Impersonators Target Unsuspecting Seniors

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Scam Alert: IRS Impersonators Target Unsuspecting Seniors

Be suspicious if someone claiming to work for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) starts asking you personal information. Make sure that person really works for the IRS. According to the Treasury Department, con artists, posing as IRS agents have duped unsuspecting seniors out of money and their Social Security numbers. Some of the crooks have used the words "Internal Revenue Service" on company letterhead or they flash fraudulent credentials. Some have been telemarketers and bill collectors in disguise. Here's how to spot an IRS impersonator:

In the vast majority of cases, taxpayers should receive a letter from the IRS before hearing directly from an agent. Be especially wary of first-time calls or surprise visits from someone you've never heard from before.
In rare cases IRS investigators have shown up without prior warning. Whatever the case always ask for the person's name, badge number and supervisor's name. If this person is legitimate they will not mind your checking to verify their indentity.
While you are doing this DO NOT give out your Social Security number. A real IRS representative should already have it.
* The best solution is to tell the person to talk to your lawyer, or your accountant or tax professional. Those persons have contacts at local IRS offices and can quickly verify the identity of any agent that shows up.
If you are not satisfied by the investigator's credentials contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484 or write: Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, PO Box 589, Ben Franklin Station, Washington DC 20044-0589. The information you provide is kept confidential and you may remain anonymous.

Source: "IRS Impersonators Target Unsuspecting Taxpayers, Tom Herman, "The Wall Street Journal," July 16, 2002.

October 2002