Scammers continue to try to fool taxpayers into thinking that they owe the IRS money, while deceptively maneuvering matters to collect a payout for themselves. Each week, France Law receives calls from clients being targeted by these swindlers. The good news is that their tactics are easy to recognize as fraudulent, if you’re informed about the way the IRS really works.

Here are five things the IRS will NEVER ask you to do, but scammers often will:

1. Demand that you pay immediately over the phone, using bullying or anger as intimidation tactics. The IRS always sends a bill via mail before contacting a taxpayer by phone, and always does so in a professional manner.

2. Try to force immediate payment by using the threat of imminent arrest by police or other agencies.

3. Insist that you pay the alleged amount without first giving you an opportunity to question or appeal the amount in question. If you feel you may legitimately owe the IRS money, hang up and call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040.

4. Only accept a specific payment method of the caller’s choice, such as a prepaid debit card. There are a variety of means by which you can pay an amount due to the IRS. 

5. Ask for your credit card or debit card numbers by phone.

Also, don’t be fooled by the following:

• Official looking letterhead in email or letters
• Caller ID credentials that seem to indicate the call is from the IRS or other agency
• Supposed IRS websites that end in anything BUT .gov. Fake variations include .com, .net, .org, etc.

France Law wants you to be smart in the fight against scammers. Keep the above warnings in mind, and stay on guard to attempts from IRS imposters. If you have questions about the legitimacy of IRS claims made in a phone call you receive, contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484. Protect your assets and protect your future!