Identity theft is a growing concern, especially when scammers pretend to be the IRS. Here's how to know if you're really being contacted by the IRS and what to do if you're not.
Phone Calls
No Threats - The IRS never leaves threatening messages. Anyone who does is a scammer.
Written Notice First - You'll receive a written notice before any phone calls from the IRS or its authorized private collection agencies.
Payment Methods - The IRS won't ask for payment via pre-paid or gift cards.
Emails, Texts and Social Media
Initial Contact - The IRS won't initially contact you through email, text, or social media.
Common Scams - Watch out for phishing emails, fake social media accounts, and texts about "tax credits" or "stimulus payments."
Letters and Notices
First Contact - The IRS usually contacts taxpayers through letters or notices.
Check Online - Log in to your IRS Online Account to see if the notice is genuine.
Call IRS - If you're still unsure, call IRS customer service to authenticate the letter.
Private Collection Agencies - Make sure their Taxpayer Authentication Number matches the one in the IRS's Notice CP40.
In-Person Visits
No More Surprises - the IRS has stopped most unannounced visits for safety reasons.
By staying vigilant and knowing how the IRS communicates, you can protect yourself from identity theft and scams. Always double-check if you're unsure and never hesitate to contact the IRS directly for verification.
The IRS has great information on their website - IRS.GOV. (The tips above are straight from the horse's mouth!)
For more guidance concerning tax scams from the IRS go to Tax Scams / Consumer Alerts | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov).
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