![\"\"](\"http:\/\/thelehighacresgazette.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/tax-scam-300x158.png\" "\\"tax-scam\\"")
The IRS phone scam is a con that has cost American taxpayers more than $20 million in financial losses and does not appear to be slowing down any time soon. Once again, Southwest Florida residents and snowbirds are being heavily targeted in this widespread scheme as calls to the Sheriff\u2019s Office fraud line nearly doubled this past week.<\/p>\n
The fraud line has received almost 200 calls from concerned residents reporting suspicious phone calls from someone claiming to be from the IRS. Con-artists are using fake names, fraudulent phone numbers and bogus badge information to convince taxpayers they owe money for unpaid taxes, and that if payment is not promptly made through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer, arrest is immanent. If the phone isn\u2019t answered, a computer generated voice will leave an \u201curgent\u201d message requesting a call back.<\/p>\n
This is an aggressive and sophisticated scam designed to trick victims through fear. The Sheriff\u2019s Office encourages you to familiarize yourself with the deceitful tactics used in this scam, and to keep in mind that the IRS will NEVER:<\/p>\n
1. Call to demand immediate payment, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill.<\/p>\n
2. Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.<\/p>\n
3. Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card or wire transfer.<\/p>\n
4. Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.<\/p>\n
5. Threaten to bring local police or other law enforcement agencies to have you arrested for not paying.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what you should do if you think you\u2019re the target of an IRS impersonation scam:<\/p>\n
If you owe Federal taxes, or think you might owe taxes, hang up and call the IRS at\u00a0800-829-1040<\/a>. IRS workers can help you with your payment questions.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t owe taxes, call and report the incident to TIGTA at\u00a0800-366-4484<\/a>.<\/p>\n You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at\u00a0www.FTC.gov<\/a>. Add \u201cIRS Telephone Scam” to the comments in your complaint.<\/p>\n