IRS Criminal Investigations: Be wary of scams after tax season
Published 12:36 pm Tuesday, April 16, 2024
April is Financial Literacy Month and IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office is bringing awareness to imposter scams, which according to the Federal Trade Commission was the number one fraud category in 2023.
“With the end of the 2024 tax season, we want to make taxpayers aware that scammers posing as IRS personnel are increasing their phone calls to potential victims stating they owe taxes and face arrest if not paid,” said Special Agent In Charge, Demetrius Hardeman, IRS:CI Atlanta Field Office. “It is important that people know that the IRS will not call them to demand immediate payment, nor will it call about taxes owed without first mailing the person a bill.”
In addition to phone calls, scams involving the impersonation of the IRS usually take the form of e-mails, tweets, or other online messages to taxpayers. The FTC released data in February 2024 showing that consumers reported losing more than $10 billion to fraud last year. According to the FTC, imposter scams lost victims $2.7 billion to criminals.
Taxpayers are advised to follow the tips below should they be contacted…
