Do you know how to protect yourself from an IRS scam?

Phone scams have become more common, but in recent months, there has been an increase in telephone IRS scams. In one recent case, a scammer called a Cape Coral Police Department extension with the following IRS scam. The scammer requested our Officer’s name and Social Security number. The scammer started by identifying herself as an “IRS employee” calling you because you have a warrant for your arrest. The “IRS employee” asked questions about where our Officer banked, if they recently traveled to Texas, or rented a car.

As the scam continued, the “IRS employee” explained that a car covered in blood was rented in our Officer’s name and was abandoned near a motel. The car was allegedly rented from a bank account in our Officer’s name. The “IRS employee” ended the conversation by telling our Officer that she did not believe that they were involved and were a victim of identity theft. She told our Officer that an “IRS Investigator” would be calling momentarily to confirm all the details with them. The “IRS employee” should have been tipped off by the way our Officer answered the phone call: Cape Coral Police Department, this is Officer…

The scammers will say things to make people fear they will be arrested and are victims of identity theft. Please do not fall prey to these scammers. Please check the tips below to avoid becoming a victim.

Tips to spot IRS Scams:

1. They’re calling you first.

2. They’re leaving a prerecorded voice mail.

3. They’re emailing you.

4. They’re texting you.

5. They’re contacting you via social media.

6. The form they’re sending or referencing doesn’t appear on the IRS website. ( on the IRS website )

7. They don’t know what an HSPD-12 card is. You have the right to see these credentials, and you can verify information on the HSPD-12 card by calling the IRS (go here for a list of IRS customer service phone numbers).

8. They’re asking for a credit card or debit card number over the phone. The IRS doesn’t do that.

9. They want you to pay only with gift cards, iTunes cards or prepaid debit cards. The IRS doesn’t use these methods for tax payments.  (See some real ways to pay the IRS.)

10. They’re saying you’ll be arrested, deported, have your driver’s license revoked, etc. The IRS can’t revoke your driver’s license, business licenses or immigration status.