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.
I got a call from someone claiming to be the IRS called on or over memorial day weekend 2017. left a call back number (401)283-0718 (Rhode Island) Of course sounds like a scam so I never heard of a call coming from across the country out of an IRS office in RHODE ISLAND. what a joke. Here's the number if you want to follow up.
In reply to I received at call from 646 by Bobbie
I have constantly been receiving threating automated calls from the IRS stating that they're building a case against me and that I need to act apon it before they put me in jail. It's numerous out of state numbers too. This does in turn scream me because I don't want to do jail time. What would be my best action to take against this issue?
In reply to I have constantly been by Cassie N
The real IRS does not call people or leave messages saying they will put you in jail. The real IRS does not threaten to have you arrested. If you think you might owe money to the IRS you can call 1-800-829-1040 or go to irs.gov. Here are some ideas for blocking unwanted calls.
In reply to I just received the same by Me
If the IRS wants to reach you, they will send a letter. The IRS does not call you and tell you to pay right away.
If you know you owe the IRS, you could call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, or go to irs.gov, or use the information in a letter the IRS already sent you.
In reply to I got a call yesterday while by Don't fall for it!
Thanks for the article setting our minds at ease. I want to share an fun way to reply: When I get a similar call and it's a live person I will say: "please hold" I wait a few seconds and say: "This call may be recorded for quality assurance. Please state your name, address and phone number for the record." I always get a click and dial tone next :-)
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