Working 4 You: Avoiding tax season scams

SPOKANE, Wash. — It’s the season of taxes –and tax scammers.

Filing your taxes can be a complicated process to navigate. If you get a call from someone claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service saying you’ve made miscalculations, and that you owe money, it can be easy to believe it.

Don’t.

Your first red flag: According to its website, if you have an outstanding debt, they will always mail you a bill, before they contact you by phone.

If you get a call that you think might be a scam- listen for these four things the IRS would never use in a phone call.

Do they demand immediate payment?

– The caller might identify themselves as an IRS agent or sometimes as a member of law enforcement. But a real IRS representative will never demand that you pay up now- or face the consequences.

Do they demand a specific mode of payment?

– The IRS will never demand a specific method of payment. Scammers will often ask that you send them money in the form of a prepaid card.

Do they ask for sensitive information?

– Scammers might ask you cell phone number, or a credit or debit card number. The IRS will not ask you for sensitive information over the phone. Do not give it out.

Do they threaten to involve law enforcement?

– The IRS will never threaten to involve law enforcement if you do not pay.

You should also pay attention to the tone of the caller. Scammers will often raise their voice or get angry during calls.

To report a potential scam visit the IRS website here.

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