The IRS has issued a warning about a new telephone scam. In previous warnings, the IRS has said that they will not call over the phone but send notices through the mail. The scammers have caught on to this warning and now when they call, they tell the victim that they were sent two certified letters but they were returned as undeliverable. The callers then threaten the victim with arrest if payment is not made immediately through a prepaid debit card. The scammer also tells the victim that the purchase of the card is linked to the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), which it is not.
The EFTPS is a free government system for paying taxes electronically, it does not require a purchase of a prepaid debit card. Callers are also “advised” not to contact their tax professional or the IRS.
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS and demanding immediate payment, hang up immediately and call the IRS directly at (800) 829-1040.
