The Palos Hills Police Department wishes to warn all residents that large increases in individuals fraudulently calling people, claiming to be an IRS official are being made. Unsolicited calls and robocalls to taxpayers are being made, and they are demanding that people send them cash. Fraudulent IRS callers are requesting that tax payers send them cash via Debit Cards, Money Orders, or Wire Transfers from their banks in order to pay a tax debt.
The IRS generally will first contact people by U.S. Mail and not by phone about unpaid taxes. The IRS will never ask for payment by prepaid debit cards, a money order or a wire transfer. They also will never ask for a credit card number over the phone.
If you get a fraudulent call from someone claiming to be with the IRS asking for payment, here’s what to do:
- If you owe federal taxes or think you might owe taxes, hang up and call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and a real IRS worker can help you.
- If you do not owe taxes and the call is a scam, go to www.tigta.gov or call1-800-366-4484 and fill out an IRS Impersonation scam form.
- You can also file a complaint at www.ftc.gov, and add IRS Telephone Scam to the comments on your complaint.
Don’t be fooled, these types of calls are increasing at an alarming rate, especially since we are now in tax season.
If you have any questions please call the Palos Hills Police Department.
