CHICAGO, IL (Chambana Today) – The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a warning about the increasing threat of impersonation scams targeting older adults in Illinois and across the country. These scams involve fraudsters posing as government officials to steal sensitive personal information and money. By pretending to be representatives from agencies like the IRS, these criminals use fear and deceit to exploit their victims.

How Scammers Operate

Scammers often target seniors, attempting to steal personal information through phone calls, emails, or text messages by pretending to be from the IRS or other agencies. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel emphasizes the importance of collaboration in preventing these scams. By partnering with other federal agencies and the tax community, the IRS aims to protect more seniors and taxpayers from these malicious activities.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

This warning is part of a broader effort leading up to World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15. Since its inception in 2006, WEAAD aims to raise awareness about the neglect and abuse faced by millions of older adults, highlighting the contributing cultural, social, economic, and demographic factors.

Long-Term Efforts to Combat Scams

The IRS has been engaged in long-term efforts to protect against scams and identity theft. This includes the Security Summit partnership between the IRS, state tax agencies, and the nation’s tax professional community, which has been in place since 2015.

Understanding the Threats

The IRS has identified a concerning trend where fraudulent actors are increasingly targeting unsuspecting individuals, particularly senior citizens, by masquerading as IRS agents. Victims are pressured into making immediate payments through unorthodox methods such as gift cards or wire transfers under the pretense of resolving fictitious tax liabilities or securing false refunds.

Common Scam Tactics

Scammers employ sophisticated methods to create an appearance of legitimacy, such as altering caller ID information to seem authentic. Here are some common tactics used by these fraudsters:

  • Impersonation of Known Entities: Fraudsters often pose as representatives from government agencies, including the IRS, Social Security Administration, and Medicare. By spoofing caller IDs, scammers can deceive victims into believing they are receiving legitimate communications.
  • Claims of Problems or Prizes: Scammers frequently fabricate urgent scenarios, such as outstanding debts or promises of significant prize winnings. Victims may be falsely informed that they owe the IRS money, are owed a tax refund, need to verify accounts, or must pay fees to claim non-existent lottery winnings.
  • Pressure for Immediate Action: These deceitful actors create a sense of urgency, demanding that victims take immediate action without allowing time for reflection. Common tactics include threats of arrest, deportation, license suspension, or computer viruses to coerce quick compliance.
  • Specified Payment Methods: To complicate traceability, scammers insist on unconventional payment methods, including cryptocurrency, wire transfers, payment apps, or gift cards, and often require victims to provide sensitive information like gift card numbers.
Scam Precautions and Reporting

If you receive an unexpected call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, but you have not been notified by mail about any issues with your IRS account, hang up immediately. The call is likely from a scammer.

Do not return the call using the number provided by the caller or the one displayed on their caller ID. If you are uncertain about the legitimacy of IRS communications, contact IRS customer service for verification at 800-829-1040, or for the hearing impaired, TTY/TDD 800-829-4059.

To view details about your tax account, you can set up or check your individual online account on here.

Electronic Scams

Electronic scams are also on the rise, with scammers sending malicious emails and texts posing as IRS representatives to steal personal information. The IRS reminds taxpayers that it does not initiate contact via email, text, or social media regarding tax bills or refunds.

Report the call or electronic scam by visiting the Hotline page of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and using an IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting form or by calling 800-366-4484. Forms to report different types of fraud are available on the Hotline page of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration website. Taxpayers can click the appropriate option under “IRS Scams and Fraud” and follow the instructions.

Key Points to Remember

Understanding how and when the IRS contacts taxpayers can help you verify whether any communication you receive is genuinely from an IRS employee. Most IRS communications are initiated through regular mail delivered by the United States Postal Service. However, in certain situations, the IRS may make phone calls or visit homes or businesses. These situations include having an overdue tax bill, an unfiled tax return, or a missing employment tax deposit.

Additionally, an IRS employee might review assets or inspect a business as part of a collection investigation, audit, or ongoing criminal investigation.

Important Reminders

  • The IRS will never demand immediate payment via prepaid debit cards, gift cards, or wire transfers. Typically, if taxes are owed, the IRS will send a bill by mail first.
  • The IRS will never threaten to involve local police or other law enforcement agencies.
  • The IRS will never demand payment without allowing opportunities to dispute or appeal the amount owed.
  • The IRS will never request credit, debit, or gift card numbers over the phone.
Staying Vigilant

Remaining vigilant and informed about these scams can help protect taxpayers from financial loss and identity theft. The IRS and partnering federal agencies urge everyone to be cautious, especially when dealing with unsolicited communications concerning taxes.

National Elder Fraud Hotline

In March 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice introduced the National Elder Fraud Hotline to address fraud targeting elderly Americans and support affected individuals. If you have fallen victim to elder fraud, you can contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).

The hotline operates Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, and services are available in English, Spanish, and other languages.

More Information

Stay informed, stay safe, and protect yourself and your loved ones from these scams.