IRS warns of scams targeting seniors

The Internal Revenue Service is warning taxpayers of a new scam aimed at the senior community from people claiming to be government officials. The scam is targeting older adults and is causing the agency to lose millions of dollars to victims, according to a press release from the agency.

The scam artists pose as IRS agents and other agencies and attempt to trick victims into sending them money using a variety of methods, including wire transfers and gift cards.

“Scammers often target seniors, attempting to steal personal information through phone calls, emails or text messages by pretending to be from the IRS or other agencies or businesses,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “Preventing these types of scams requires assistance from many different places. By partnering with other federal agencies and others in the tax community, we can reach more seniors and other taxpayers to help protect them against these terrible scams.”

The IRS does not contact taxpayers by email, text, or social media to claim that their tax bill is late or that they are owed a tax refund, agency officials said. Anyone who receives a call from someone claiming to be an IRS agent who demands immediate action should hang up the call immediately. Do not return the call using the number provided by the caller or the one displayed on their caller ID, officials said. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of potential IRS communication, contact IRS customer service for verification at 1-800-829-1040.

If you receive a phony call or email, report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration by calling 1-800-366-4484.