IRS warns Taxpayers of fraudulent phone calls and advises hanging up.

Scammers frequently phone unwary taxpayers during tax season to try to defraud them. In an effort to steal money from taxpayers or personal information, these scammers frequently make ominous or threatening phone calls while impersonating as the IRS.

However, by being aware of how the IRS communicates with taxpayers, anyone may spot this deception easily.

The IRS will never:

Call to demand quick payment using a certain payment mechanism, such as a wire transfer, gift card, or prepaid debit card. Any taxpayer who owes taxes will often get a bill in the mail first from the IRS.

• Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes.
• Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.
• Demand that taxes be paid without giving taxpayers the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
• Call unexpectedly about a tax refund.