Latest Robocall Scam

At GCS, we strive to keep you informed of events, changes to laws, and other areas that may impact you, both personally and professionally.  One area that requires constant vigilance is avoiding potential scams and fraudulent activity from fake phone calls.

The Internal Revenue Service is cautioning taxpayers to be aware of fraudulent phone calls in which the perpetrator threatens to cancel victims’ Social Security numbers if they do not pay their taxes over the phone.

In a recent email to GCS, the IRS writes:

Taxpayers should be on the lookout for new variations of tax-related scams. In the latest twist on a scam related to Social Security numbers, scammers claim to be able to suspend or cancel the victim’s SSN. It’s yet another attempt by con artists to frighten people into returning ‘robocall’ voicemails.

Scammers may mention overdue taxes in addition to threatening to cancel the person’s SSN. If taxpayers receive a call threatening to suspend their SSN for an unpaid tax bill, they should just hang up.

Make no mistake…it’s a scam.

We want to remind you to not provide any personal or financial information over the phone unless you are positive you know the caller is legitimate.  When in doubt, please contact us directly or simply hang up the phone.

While the IRS has authorized private collection agencies, they will never call to demand immediate payment using specific payment methods such as a prepaid debit card, iTunes gift card, or wire transfer. In addition, they will never ask a taxpayer to make a payment to person or organization other than the U.S. Treasury.  Finally, they would never bring in the local police or other law-enforcement groups for not paying, or demand taxes to be paid without giving the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, please contact us or report the call to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.

Should you have any questions or wish to speak to a team member, please don’t hesitate to call us at 201-599-0008.