Don't Be Fooled

Last week the caller ID on my home phone displayed a call from Rochester, NY. It was an automated call which apparently started before my voicemail picked up. If I didn't know better, I might have been worried by what the computer voice told me.

​Here is a link to the audio if you'd like to hear it.

​“…team of IRS. We have just received a notification regarding your tax filings from the headquarters which will get expired in next 24 working hours. And once it get expired after that you will be taken under custody by the local police as there are four serious allegations pressed on your name at this moment.

“We would request you to get back to us so that we can discuss about this case before taking any legal action against you. The number to reach us is 585-633-1473. I repeat 585-633-1473. Thank you.”

Besides the horrible grammar, knowing how the IRS works (and doesn't), I could tell right away that this call was bogus. I considered calling them back, but decided not to waste my time. When you get a call, remember:

1. The IRS never asks for a credit card number over the phone or requests the use of a pre-paid debit card or wire transfer.
2. The IRS never initiates contact with taxpayers by phone, email, text message, or social media to request personal or financial information. 
3. The IRS never asks for PINs, passwords, or similar confidential access information for credit card, bank or other financial accounts.
4. The IRS never discussed the possibility of arrest from the police department, any license revocation, or deportation, because that is not under its authority.