DETROIT – The calls can be scary and they make a lot of people very nervous. The Help Me Hank consumer unit has logged many complaints about the ever-present, ever-threatening fake IRS scam.
While the scam seems to be happening year round, we have noticed an increase in the number of complaints in recent weeks as the tax season kicks into high gear.
"It's just intimidating and it makes you feel like they're really going to be after me," said Judy Rosen of Southfield. She's one of many people who called Help Me Hank about the IRS scam in recent weeks. She played the message the scammers left for her, and wanted to share her story to warn others.
Luckily, Rosen knew immediately that the call was a scam and not the real IRS. The calls are easy to spot if you know what to look for, but far too many people let their fear push them into expensive mistakes. Help Me Hank has done stories where people lose thousands of dollars.
"I feel bad for the people that get duped...I truly do. It breaks my heart," said Rosen.
What You Need To Know
Here are some things you need to know about calls from the IRS.
The fake "agents" will often identify themselves as being with the IRS or the U.S. Treasury Department. They will claim you owe money to the government. Often, they will threaten you with arrest, taking away your driver's license, or other dire consequences. The caller, often with a foreign accent, will demand payment. Sometimes, they will offer you a deal, you can pay less if you pay right away. They always demand payment immediately, and they will ask you to use methods of payment that cannot be traced. (debit cards, wire transfers, etc.)
If you're confronted with someone making those claims, you should know it's 100% a scam. The IRS never calls you from out-of-the-blue to tell you about a tax problem. You would receive notice in writing. The IRS never threatens you with dire consequences in that first phone call. And, the IRS never demands immediate payment.
If you remember the earmarks of the scam, and you know the truth about IRS procedures, you should never fall victim to this scam. Help Me Hank urges you to share this information with friends and family, especially any seniors since they seem to be targeted the most often.
The Big Mistake People Make
Many people make the mistake of responding to these calls in the first place. In general, you should never answer phone calls, emails, or texts if you don't recognize the Caller ID. Screen all your calls! Only answer the phone if you know who's on the other end of the line.
If you speak to anyone who happens to be a scammer, they will now know you're a "live" target who will pick up the phone. They may keep targeting you.They may call you again and try a different scam until they find one that works. Or, they might even sell your phone number to other scammers.
An expert from Consumer Reports told Help Me Hank how your name and number can get passed around, if the criminals believe you're a possible target.
"These lists, they're called sucker lists. These are people who have already responded... to a mailing... and they're sold among scammers. The names might be worth $6 each," said Tobie Stanger, senior editor at Consumer Reports.
You don't want to be on a sucker list, and you stand a better chance of being left alone, by all scammers, if you just stop answering the phone!
Lost Money Hard To Fine
In the end, if you lose money to a scammer it's very difficult to track them down, and the chance of you reclaiming your money is very, very slim. Help Me Hank cannot track those mysterious phone numbers. They are often fake and the scammers often call from other states or other countries. Even police admit, it's very difficult to catch these criminals.
You are the first, best line of defense against fake IRS scammers and all the other con artists who might reach out via phone, text or email. Be aware, be careful, and protect your money.