“In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes” (Benjamin Franklin). But the “tax man” won’t be giving you a call this tax season advising that you owe unpaid taxes.
Area residents are being advised to remain on high alert as the IRS scam is reaching epidemic proportions across the country.
Here is how the con works:
A person receives an unsolicited call or email from an individual who fraudulently claims to represent the IRS attempting to collect unpaid taxes. Victims are told they must settle the debt immediately by using a pre-paid debit card, money order or a wire transfer. If you refuse to pay, the scammer threatens the victim with lawsuits, deportation, arrest or suspension of their driver’s license if immediate payment is not made.
Now you might be thinking, “I would never fall for that.” But these callers are very persuasive and may already know some of your personal information. The callers who commit this fraud often:
- Utilize an automated robocall machine.
- Use common names and fake IRS badge numbers.
- May know the last four digits of the victim’s Social Security Number.
- Make caller ID information appear as if the IRS is calling.
- Send a bogus IRS email to support their scam.
- Claim that hanging up the telephone will cause immediate arrest.
- Call a second or third time claiming to be the police or a department of motor vehicles, and the caller ID supports their claim.
- Aggressively demand immediate payment to avoid being criminally charged or arrested.
Residents are reminded that the IRS will always send taxpayers written notification of any taxes due via the U.S. mail. The IRS will never ask for a credit card, debit card or prepaid card information over the telephone.
Residents are reminded not to engage these callers and hang up the phone. With this scam and many similar telephone/email scams, never give out your personal or banking information.
If you receive such a call please report it to the Naperville Police Department’s Online Reporting System, www.naperville.il.us/policeonlinereports.aspx, or by calling the department’s non-emergency number, (630) 420-6666.
If you owe or think you owe Federal taxes call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040.
Until next month… Stay aware and stay safe.
