This post is by Bernie Carr, apartmentprepper.com
I had a different post scheduled, but I thought I’d write about this instead, as this actually happened to me today.
I got a call on my cell phone from an unrecognized number. The caller left a voicemail message. I listened to the message and it was an automated voice, which said:
“Hello, this is Officer Nikki Smith calling from the IRS. It is important that you get in touch with us immediately as we have an urgent matter we need to discuss with you. Do not ignore this message. It is important we speak with you as soon as possible.”
Sure, the message got my attention, but I did not call back. I thought to myself, I filed my taxes early and the tax return was accepted. I figured if the IRS had any issues, they always send something in writing and would not call my cell phone. So I did a bit of research and found out that this is a huge scam and thousands of people have been victimized. The call sounds extremely urgent and many people assume it’s truly the IRS calling. The scammers demand some kind of payment and the frightened call recipient pays right away.
How to tell the call is fake
According to the IRS scam alert notice, the IRS will NEVER do any of the following:
- Call to demand immediate payment, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill
- Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe
- Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card
- Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone
- Threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.
If you get such as call, hang up immediately and report it. For more information visit Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts.
© Apartment Prepper 2015
This post struck a familiar note in me….
My wife got one of these calls about 2 weeks ago, and was initially frightened. The dead giveaway for her was that some foreign sounding guy that was really hard to understand was named “Steve Parker.” lol
Yet another infuriating phone scam, that unfortunately is very successful I’m sure.
Good head’s up on this Bernie!
-Dan
Hi Dan! I understand about being alarmed when you first get the call-no one wants to run afoul of the IRS! It’s when you step back and really think about it that you realize it’s fake. Unfortunately a lot of people fall for it and the criminals keep making money off the scam. Thanks for the comment!