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With tax season now underway, so is the “IRS Tax Scam,” warns South Pasadena Police Department officials.
“This type of scam continues to be popular throughout the year, but especially now with many people filing their taxes,” said SPPD Crime Prevention Officer Richard Lee.
The suspect, explained Lee, will call the victim and claim to be from the IRS, telling the person money is owed for back taxes and demand immediate payment.
“They request the victim pay in either pre-paid debit cards, i-Tune gift cards, wire funds or even request Bitcoins,” said Lee, adding, “The suspect will be aggressive and threaten the victim with arrest if they don’t cooperate.
To help make the scam believable, the suspect may have the last four digits of the victim’s Social Security Number, provide a badge number, or have their phone number spoofed to display ‘IRS’ on caller ID.”
Lee said the IRS will never call and demand payment for back taxes, and local law enforcement will not arrest a person. “If you believe you owe for back taxes, contact the IRS directly and obtain the number from the IRS website. Should you receive a call from anyone claiming to be from the IRS demanding payment, hang-up!,” he suggested.
In addition, Lee said complaints can be made online to the Treasure Inspector General for Tax Administration (www.treasury.gov/tigta).
