Here at the FTC, we think about scams all day long. What are the scammers’ new angles? How can we keep ahead of them? We hear from people about the scams they see, and we turn that into tips people use to spot and avoid scams.
But scammers find FTC staff, just as they find the rest of America. My colleagues and I have even gotten calls on our work phones, offering reduced credit card interest rates, or claiming to be tech support calling about problems with our computers. We also get the calls at home. In fact, someone claiming to work for the IRS called my house just last week:
This has all the signs of an IRS imposter scam. In fact, the IRS won’t call out of the blue to ask for payment, won’t demand a specific form of payment, and won’t leave a message threatening to sue you if you don’t pay right away. Have you gotten a bogus IRS call like this? If you did, report the call to the FTC and to TIGTA – include the phone number it came from, along with any details you have.
In reply to I just called the number back by SickOfScams
These are useful details for a complaint. Please report this to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.
In reply to I just received a call from by matt b
These are useful details for a complaint. Please go to ftc.gov/complaint to report this. Blog comments don't go into the database that law enforcement uses for investigations.
In reply to I just received this robo by JR
If you call someone, all it reveals is that your phone number works. They might call you again.
In reply to received several automated by superman23
If the IRS needs to contact you, it will send a letter first.
If a debt collector calls you and you don't recognize the debt he says you owe, send him a written request asking for written proof of the debt.
If you ask a debt collector in writing, he has to provide written verification of the debt. The FTC article about Fake Debt Collectors provides tips to help you handle those calls.
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