IRS Commissioner, John Koskinen, warns seniors about aggressive phone calls

“The IRS warns seniors about these aggressive phone calls that can be frightening and intimidating. The IRS doesn’t do business like that,” IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said in a statement.

“Just hang up and avoid becoming a victim to these criminals,” Koskinen said.

The victims are told they owe money to the IRS and must pay it promptly through a preloaded debit card or wire transfer.

If the victim refuses to cooperate, they are often threatened with arrest by callers who may become hostile and insulting.

In addition, victims may be told they have a refund due in order to try to trick them into sharing private information. If the phone isn’t answered, the phone scammers often leave an “urgent” call-back request.

In recent years, thousands of people have lost millions of dollars and their personal information to tax scams and fake IRS communication.

Later this spring, the only outside agencies authorized to contact taxpayers about their unpaid tax accounts will be one of the four authorized under a new private debt collection program. Even then, any affected taxpayer will be notified first by the IRS.

Under a federal law enacted by Congress in 2015, designated contractors will be able to collect tax payments on the government’s behalf. The program begins later this spring.

However, the IRS will give taxpayers and their representative written notice when their account is being transferred to a private collection agency.

The collection agency will then send a second, separate letter to the taxpayer and their representative confirming this transfer.

Information contained in these letters will help taxpayers identify the tax amount owed and help ensure that future collection agency calls are legitimate.

The IRS says it and its authorized collection agencies will never call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer.

Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes. All tax payments should only be made payable to the U.S. Treasury and checks should never be made payable to third parties.

The IRS does not threaten taxpayers with arrest for not paying or ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

Anyone who thinks they may be a target of a scam can contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration by using its “IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting” web page or by calling 800-366-4484.

If anyone thinks they owe taxes, they can call the IRS at 800-829-1040. IRS workers can help you. Taxpayers can also visit irs. gov for information on scams and consumer alerts.

The IRS does not use email, text messages or social media to discuss personal tax issues involving bills or refunds.