"High Alert" - IRS Phone Scam - Let Your Clients Know

I received this email from a CPA Firm in Dallas and thought I'd share it.

This week, they have had several clients nearly fall for this IRS Phone Call Scam. Even one of their employees received one of these calls. Please be advised that THIS IS A SCAM but easy to realize how it can be effective and trick people.

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) urges taxpayers to be on "high alert" about IRS employee impersonators. According to TIGTA, since October 2013, thieves have stolen millions of dollars from taxpayers believing the fraudulent calls saying that they owed the government money and cash needed to be sent immediately.

The TIGTA states that they receive thousands of calls every month with reports of these robbery attempts. It is very important, especially during the upcoming tax season, to be aware of things to look for that should be a RED FLAG. 1. The IRS virtually always contacts by mail, not by phone and NEVER cell phone.

2. Payment will not be asked for using a prepaid debit card, money order or wire transfer. They will not ask for a credit card over the phone.

3. They may know the last four digits of your security number and may be able to make the caller ID look like it is coming from the IRS.

If you get a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, hang up and call the IRS at 800-829-1040.