Tax Scams and Schemes

   Year after year, criminals try to scam taxpayers. Year after year, taxpayers resort to schemes in an effort to outwit the Internal Revenue Service (I.R.S.). These cons occur year-round. In response to their frequency, the I.R.S. has listed the 12 biggest offenses – scams that you should recognize, schemes that warrant penalties and punishment.

   “Wise people see trouble coming and get out of its way. But foolish people go straight to the trouble and suffer because of it.”     (Proverbs 22:3).  
 
   Phishing. Any unsolicited email claiming to be from the I.R.S. is a scam. The I.R.S. never reaches out via email, regardless of the situation. Should you receive such an email, forward it to phishing@irs.gov. Be careful when sending personal information, including payroll or other financial information, via an email or website.1,2

   Phone scams. Each year, criminals call taxpayers, alleging that these taxpayers owe money to the I.R.S. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration states that over the last five years, 12,000 victims have been identified, resulting in a cumulative loss of more than $63 million. Visual tricks lend authenticity to the ruse: the caller ID may show a toll-free number. The caller may mention a phony I.R.S. employee badge number. New spins are constantly emerging, including threats of arrest, and even deportation. ...