Hello, is it me you’re looking for?

Hello, is it me you're looking for?  

It was a regular Saturday night. The latest Minions movie was about to start, and my living room was packed with little munchkins. I was standing up to refill the popcorn bowl when a sudden buzz, followed by an eerie melody, sent leftover kernels flying.  

After composing myself, I realized the sound was from my cell phone. Without checking the caller ID, I picked up. Faint voices echoed through my speaker, and after calling out with no response three or four times, I hung up. A few minutes later, my phone rang again. After a long pause, an unknown voice requested to speak to me by name.  

Hesitantly, I replied, "May I ask who's calling?" The response sent a chill up my spine. "Agent Blake Johnson, ma'am. IRS." I sat silently, waiting for him to continue. "Ms. Jones, last four of the social -XXXX?" Now he had my attention – and against my better judgment, I let the conversation continue.  

The "agent" launched into an angry tirade, saying my prior year tax returns were being investigated. He explained that since several IRS contacts had gone unanswered, they had no choice but to take collection actions against me. I told him I hadn't received any mailed letters, and my address hadn't changed over the past 10 years.  

Ignoring my comments, he demanded I wire $5,000 (half of my tax bill) to his bank account or he’d send the Sheriffs and freeze my accounts. He said he would text me with further instructions, and I would have an hour to comply. I asked for his badge number and to speak to a supervisor. This set him off, with threats pouring from his mouth. That confirmed my suspicion. I wasn't talking to an IRS agent; I was talking to a criminal. And that was the end of it.  

Equal parts frustrated and amused, I returned to popcorn duty, but I couldn't help thinking about the next target for that criminal. Fortunately, I work for an organization that educates on IRS procedures and taxpayer rights.  

But most Americans are so lucky. Here is a short list of things to keep in mind when someone claims to be an IRS representative.  

Scammers will use familiar names and fake badge numbers (the scammer in my case ended the call without providing one).  

• The IRS mails a bill to a taxpayer who owes taxes. Multiple notices come before a call or visit.  

• The IRS does not demand instant payment in gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers.  

• The IRS won't contact you via email, texts, or social media for personal or financial information.  

• The IRS won't threaten law enforcement, immigration, or revoke licenses.  

• The IRS can't demand tax payment without a chance to question or appeal their decision.  

 These factors might seem obvious, but not always. Scammers know about the fear of IRS contact, and prey on it. They buy information from the dark web, but it is always incomplete. That is why they can give you some information to make you believe they are the real deal. Then their job is to get the missing pieces and get money from you, too. They have researched and perfected their techniques. You can't be sure you’ll avoid them, but learning IRS rules can reduce your risk of falling victim to them. 

NOTE: IRS or potential scammer contact is serious. If you're unsure of a contact's validity, report it to the IRS.  

If you are still unsure about your situation, and want expert advice, you can click this link to set an appointment to speak with a Tax Expert from Lisa Brugman, EA & Associates.