Fake IRS Phone Call Scam: What You Need To Know!

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Scams have become increasingly prevalent in today’s digital age, with fraudsters constantly devising new ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One such scam that has gained notoriety is the Fake IRS Phone Call Scam. This scam involves fraudsters impersonating Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents and attempting to extort money from innocent victims. In this article, we will delve into what this scam is, how it works, what to do if you have fallen victim, and provide valuable insights to help you protect yourself from falling prey to this fraudulent scheme.

Scams

What is the Fake IRS Phone Call Scam?

The Fake IRS Phone Call Scam is a type of fraud where scammers impersonate IRS agents and contact individuals via phone, demanding immediate payment for alleged unpaid taxes. These scammers often use aggressive and threatening tactics to intimidate their victims, creating a sense of urgency and fear.

It is important to note that the IRS will never initiate contact with taxpayers over the phone to demand immediate payment or ask for personal information. The IRS primarily communicates through official letters sent via mail. Therefore, any unsolicited phone call claiming to be from the IRS should be treated with suspicion.

How Does the Scam Work?

The Fake IRS Phone Call Scam typically follows a well-defined script that scammers use to deceive their victims. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how the scam works:

  1. The scammer initiates contact by phone, posing as an IRS agent.
  2. They inform the victim that they owe a significant amount of money in unpaid taxes.
  3. The scammer creates a sense of urgency and fear by threatening the victim with legal consequences, such as arrest or deportation, if the payment is not made immediately.
  4. They instruct the victim to make the payment using unconventional methods, such as wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, or gift cards.
  5. Once the payment is made, the scammer disappears, leaving the victim defrauded and without any means of recovering their money.

It is important to remember that the IRS will never demand immediate payment over the phone or ask for payment through unconventional methods. If you receive such a call, it is crucial to remain calm and not provide any personal or financial information.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim?

If you have fallen victim to the Fake IRS Phone Call Scam, it is essential to take immediate action to minimize the damage. Here are the steps you should follow:

  1. Hang up the phone: As soon as you realize it is a scam, hang up the phone to end the conversation.
  2. Do not provide personal information: Never share personal or financial information with the scammer.
  3. Report the scam: Contact your local law enforcement agency and report the incident. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint.
  4. Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial accounts for any suspicious activity. If you notice any unauthorized transactions, report them to your financial institution immediately.
  5. Scan for viruses or malware: Run a scan with Malwarebytes Free or any reputable antivirus software to ensure your computer is not infected with any malicious software.

Protecting Yourself from the Fake IRS Phone Call Scam

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to scams. Here are some proactive steps you can take to protect yourself from falling victim to the Fake IRS Phone Call Scam:

  • Be skeptical of unsolicited calls: If you receive a call claiming to be from the IRS, be skeptical and do not provide any personal or financial information.
  • Verify the caller’s identity: If you are unsure about the legitimacy of the call, hang up and independently verify the caller’s identity by contacting the IRS directly using their official phone number.
  • Stay informed: Stay updated on the latest scams and fraud techniques by regularly visiting the IRS website or subscribing to their email alerts.
  • Educate yourself and others: Share information about scams with your friends, family, and colleagues to raise awareness and prevent others from falling victim.

Summary

The Fake IRS Phone Call Scam is a fraudulent scheme where scammers impersonate IRS agents and attempt to extort money from unsuspecting individuals. By understanding how this scam works and taking proactive measures to protect yourself, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim. Remember, the IRS will never demand immediate payment over the phone or ask for payment through unconventional methods. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up, report the incident, and stay vigilant to safeguard your personal and financial information.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

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    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

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    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

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    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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