IRS Warns of Phone Scam Threatening Pending Lawsuit
By Lynne Adkins
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Federal officials are looking into the latest scam targeting taxpayers.
If you've received a phone call claiming the IRS is suing you, don't call back. It's a scam, according to IRS spokeswoman Jennifer Jenkins. She says taxpayers are never contacted by robocalls.
"If the IRS is contacting a taxpayer about money owed or money we believe is owed, it would be an actual live person calling to try to work out some details with the taxpayer."
Jenkins says one big warning sign would be a demand for immediate payment and threats.
Especially if the payment is a non-traceable form," she says, "such as a prepaid debit card."
Jenkins says the IRS will never threaten taxpayers and demand immediate payment. She says the IRS will first reach out to you through the mail with a letter explaining the issue. And if you are contacted by phone, a person will call and explain there is an appeal process.
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