Officials remind that IRS doesn’t demand immediate payments over phone

Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) and Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman warned taxpayers in the Hudson Valley to watch out for scam phone calls from individuals claiming to be from the IRS.

Consumers who believe they have been victims of any tax scams are urged to file complaints by visiting the Attorney General Office’s website, ag.ny.gov, or calling 800-771-7755.

Here are five things the scammers often do but the IRS will not.

  • 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.

Remember, too, the IRS does not use email, text messages or any social media to discuss your personal tax issue. For more information on reporting tax scams, go to irs.gov and type “scam” in the search box.

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