It’s tax time! And with tax time comes fraud and scammers hoping to capitalize on the public’s general ‘fear’ of the IRS.
I received a call from an unknown number: 415-320-7804 — Novato, CA. I let ALL unknown calls go to voicemail so that I can capture their message and decide if I want to engage further. Here’s what they said:
The issue at hand is extremely time and sensitive. My name is officer Cathy Williams and I’m calling you from the Internal Revenue Service and hotline to my division is 415-320-7804. I repeat it’s 415-320-7804. Don’t try to disregard this message and do return the call as soon as possible before we take any legal action against you. Thank you.
Here’s the audio:
There are different scams… beware.
Information from the IRS: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scams-consumer-alerts
IRS Warns of Pervasive Telephone Scam: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-warns-of-pervasive-telephone-scam
Victims are told they owe money to the IRS and it must be paid promptly through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer. If the victim refuses to cooperate, they are then threatened with arrest, deportation or suspension of a business or driver’s license. In many cases, the caller becomes hostile and insulting.