The IRS is a major target for scammers, who use a variety of methods to trick people into giving up their personal and financial information. If you think you may have fallen for an IRS scam, there are a few things you can do to check.
Here are some signs that you may have fallen for an IRS scam:
You received a phone call, email, or letter from someone claiming to be from the IRS.
The caller or sender was demanding immediate payment of taxes, usually in the form of a prepaid debit card, gift card, or wire transfer.
The caller or sender was threatening you with arrest, deportation, or other legal action if you didn't pay.
The caller or sender was using a lot of pressure or intimidation to get you to pay.
If you think you may have fallen for an IRS scam, here are what you can do:
Don't panic. The IRS will never threaten you with arrest or deportation over the phone.
Hang up the phone. Don't give the caller any personal or financial information.
Don't click on any links or open any attachments in the email. These could contain malware that could infect your computer.
Check the IRS website. The IRS has a page dedicated to IRS scams, where you can learn more about how to protect yourself.
Report the scam. You can report the scam to the IRS by calling 1-800-829-1040 or by filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
If you're concerned that you may have given out personal or financial information to an IRS scammer, there are a few things you can do:
Place a fraud alert on your credit report. This will make it more difficult for someone to open new accounts in your name.
Monitor your credit report for any unauthorized activity. You can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Change your passwords for your online accounts. This includes your bank accounts, credit card accounts, and email accounts.
If you've fallen victim to an IRS scam, you may need help resolving the issue. A tax resolution service can help you file a complaint with the IRS, dispute any fraudulent charges, and protect your credit.
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