Issue Number: Tax Tip 2022-15
Taxpayers beware: Tax season is prime time for phone scams
With the new tax season starting this week, the IRS reminds taxpayers to be aware that criminals continue to make aggressive calls posing as IRS agents in hopes of stealing taxpayer money or personal information.
Here are some telltale signs of a tax scam along with actions taxpayers can take if they receive a scam call.
The IRS will never:
• Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes.
• Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.
• Demand that taxes be paid without giving taxpayers the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
• Call unexpectedly about a tax refund.
- Taxpayers who receive these phone calls should:
- Record the number and then hang up the phone immediately.
- Report the call to TIGTA using their IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting form or by calling 800-366-4484.
- Report the number to phishing@irs.gov and be sure to put “IRS Phone Scam” in the subject line.
More information:
Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts
Report Phishing and Online Scams
Social Security
Social Security Scams
If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email:
- Hang up
- DO not return unknown calls, texts, or emails.
- Do not give money or personal information.
- Report the scam to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
If you receive a call, text, or email that you believe to be suspicious, about a problem with your Social Security number or account, do not respond or engage with the caller or sender. Report Social Security phone, email, and text scams through our dedicated online form.
Protect Yourself from Social Security Scams
WARNING
Be on the lookout for fake calls, texts, and emails
Scammers are pretending to be government employees. They may threaten you and may demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or other legal action. Do not be fooled!
Be Alert
Social Security may call you in some situations but will never:
- Threaten you.
- Suspend your Social Security number.
- Demand an immediate payment from you.
- Require payment by cash, gift card, pre-paid debit card, or wire transfer.
- Ask for gift card numbers over the phone or to wire or mail cash.
Social Security may email or text you about programs and services, but will never ask for a return call to an unknown number. Social Security only sends emails or text messages if you have opted in to receive them and only in limited situations, including the following:
- When you have subscribed with Social Security to receive updates and notifications by text or email.
- As part of Social Security’s enhanced security when accessing your personal my Social Security account.
If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email:
- Hang up
- DO not return unknown calls, texts, or emails.
- Do not give money or personal information.
- Report the scam to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
If you receive a call, text, or email that you believe to be suspicious, about a problem with your Social Security number or account, do not respond or engage with the caller or sender. Report Social Security phone, email, and text scams through our dedicated online form.
What to look for
- The caller or sender says there is a problem with your Social Security number or account.
- Any call, text, or email asking you to pay a fine or debt with retail gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, internet currency, or by mailing cash.
- Scammers pretend they are from Social Security or another government agency. Caller ID, texts, or documents sent by email may look official but they are not.
- Callers threaten you with arrest or other legal action.
Be Active
Protect yourself, friends, and family!
- If you receive a questionable call, hang up and report it at oig.ssa.gov.
- Do not return unknown calls, emails, or texts.
- Ask someone you trust for advice before making any large purchase or financial decision.
- Do not be embarrassed to report if you shared personal information or suffered a financial loss.
- Learn more at oig.ssa.gov/scam.
- Share this information with others.
