Identity Theft—IRS Warns Taxpayers about New Twist on Phone Scam

In a recent News Release, the IRS warned taxpayers about a new twist on an old phone scam. Criminals are now claiming to be calling from local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs).  They accomplish this by programming their computers to display TAC phone numbers, which appear on the taxpayer’s Caller ID.  If the taxpayer questions the legitimacy of the call, the scam artist directs the taxpayer to IRS.gov to verify the local TAC office phone number.  Once this has been done, the scam artist demands money, generally on a debit card.  Fraudsters also have been spoofing local sheriff’s offices, state Department of Motor Vehicles, federal agencies, and others to convince taxpayers the call is legitimate.  The IRS reminds taxpayers that it typically initiates contact through regular mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.