Scam artists have long known how to get the best of even the smartest, most cautious people. Using people’s fear of the IRS has become a popular tactic in the past few years.

Currently, there are scam artists calling people pretending to be with the IRS.  They say that you owe back taxes, or have a refund coming. The Caller ID likely looks like it’s coming from the IRS, they sound official, and even make sure the background noise is similar to an IRS service center.

Unfortunately, they aren’t at all what they seem, and are trying to either get you to send them money, or to give them personal information for identify theft purposes. A client in our office got a call like this today, and was wise enough not to give any information to them, and call us first.  She was quite shaken, as they had done a great job scaring her about this supposed balance due.

There are a few ways to tell whether you’re dealing with the real IRS or not:

• The IRS and state departments of revenue never initiate contact over the phone or through email. They will send a letter to the address on your last income tax return.
• Taxes can be paid via personal check – no legitimate taxing agency would tell you you’re required to use a money order, or have you break the “balance due” into multiple payments.
• If you get a call or email that claims to be from the IRS or your state department of revenue, never give them any information. Instead, call the department at it’s published, public telephone number.

The IRS has published quick tips on the latest scams, if you’d like more information.