PENSACOLA, Fla. (WTXL) - The Better Business Bureau says that another IRS impersonation scam has started again, this time, coming back with a vengeance as officials say they have received numerous complaints this morning.
They said that the IRS impersonation scam is one of the most persistent scams out there, saying that it comes back around every few months. However, this time around the scammers are getting more aggressive.
BBB said that victims of the scam were getting calls from someone claiming to be from the IRS. The "agent" then tells them that they owe for unpaid taxes. They said the fake agents may even provide a fake badge number and name.
The "representative" then tries to pressure victims into paying a fee by using a prepaid debit car or wire transfer. They said that the scammers asked for all types of prepaid cards, even iTunes cards.
If you don’t pay up immediately, the “IRS agent” will then sign a warrant for your arrest.
BBB warned residents that no matter how much the caller threatens, don't fall for it. The have provided the following tips on how to spot an impersonator:
o Be wary if you are being asked to act immediately. Scammers typically try to push you into action before you have had time to think. The IRS will give you the chance to question or appeal what you owe.
o The IRS doesn’t call, text or email. The IRS won’t call about payment or overdue taxes, you will be contacted through the mail service.
o Don’t wire money or use a prepaid debit card. Scammers often pressure people into wiring money or using a prepaid debit card. It’s like sending cash: once it’s gone, you can’t trace it. The IRS says it will never demand immediate payment, require a specific form of payment, or ask for credit card or debt card numbers over the phone.
o If you owe taxes or you think you might, contact the IRS at 800.829.1040 or irs.gov. Real IRS employees can help you with a payment issue, if you actually have an issue.
o If you know you don’t owe taxes, report the incident to the Department of the Treasury at 800-366-4484 or tigta.gov.
To find out more about other scams, check out BBB Scam Stopper here.
