New IRS Scam: The IRS Sends Out Alert

From the Desk of Lauran L Stevenson

New IRS Scam: The IRS Sends Out Alert

On June 15, 2017, the IRS sent out a warning to taxpayers of a new scam that utilizes the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). The EFTPS is the IRS’s automated payment system that is set up for taxpayers to facilitate payment of any taxes owed to the IRS.

According to the IRS, the scammer claims to be the IRS and then proceeds to tell the victim that two notices have been sent to the victim and were returned undeliverable. The scammer than proceeds to threaten the victim of arrest if payment is not made with a prepaid debit card through the EFTPS system, which is a fake set-up that is directly wired to the scammer.

The IRS would like to remind taxpayers that the IRS will never:

• Demand payment of outstanding taxes without written notice and an opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed with an IRS representative.
• Demand immediate payment or ask for a debit or credit card number over the phone.
• Demand or threaten a taxpayer with arrest by local authorities or involve other law enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not meeting demands.

If you are ever threatened by someone claiming to be the IRS, know that you have rights, and you are also a protected citizen under the IRS Taxpayers Bill of Rights. We have multiple blogs that can help you understand your rights and what to do if a letter from the IRS arrives: What To Do When an IRS Letter Arrives: “Tips” from the IRS.