It’s time to use those manicured paws and cover those ears! Recently there has been an influx of tax scams that have swept the nation, making headlines almost daily. While the IRS is working their tails off to ensure that you, as taxpayers, are aware of the critical situation, these scam artists are quickly finding loop holes to jump through. To protect yourself, and your family, be sure to cover your tails and know that there are ways to protect yourself from falling victim to these scammers.

Dealing with the IRS can be a scary ordeal all together, and tax scam artists are feeding off that fear. With advancements in technology, many taxpayers find that it’s convenient to communicate via email or text message, and they assume that the IRS will do the same.  So scammers have opted into text messaging, calling, and sending emails, claiming to be the IRS.  They use social media, email, text messages, and phone calls with automated messages and a call back number to scare you into falling into their traps. But don’t be tricked into thinking that the contact is from the IRS.  It’s not!

The scammers claim that there will be warrants issued for your arrest, that immigration agencies will get involved if you’re not a citizen born in this country, and that you’ll be hauled off to the pound for lack of immediate payment on back taxes that may or may not in fact be owed.  Then they’ll demand payment over the phone from your debit or credit card.

None of these false agents claiming to work for the IRS and barking orders at you are the real deal. The IRS only contacts a tax payer by paper documentation via mail, sometimes certified, and very rarely a secured teleconference phone call.  To ensure your safety from these nasty scammers, if you suspect the caller’s not who he or she claims to be, hang up and notify the IRS immediately by phone or email the IRS a detailed statement at phishing@irs.gov.

The nasty business of scammers chasing after the largest tax bones should have you covering your tail and having you on the lookout for any suspicious activity or notices. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact Boss Lady, Christy Lee, at the Law Offices of Christy Lee, P.C., and we’ll help guide you in the right direction. Plus, you may even get to come into the office and see me managing our amazing staff!