December 18th, 2024 by WCBC Radio

The Internal Revenue Service is warning taxpayers of scammers impersonating collections officials. Taxpayers may receive a request for gift cards to resolve outstanding tax debt. The request can come in the form of an email or phone call where a fake agent states false information and demands payment. Rodney Bearman, IRS Public Affairs Officer, tells WCBC that the IRS follows a protocol in asking for any payments…

“The IRS wants taxpayers to know that we would never call to demand payment or request a specific payment such as a gift card, prepaid debit card, or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill or a notice to any taxpayer who may owe taxes.”