COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Nov. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Many people have received at least one phone call from someone claiming to be with the IRS, demanding money, personal information, or both. But tax experts with Harrison Tax Services say that these scammers are easy to detect -- and report.
"Many of our clients have called us immediately after receiving these calls The scammers can sound authentic and they can be frightening if you don't know better," said Darryl Harrison, an Enrolled Agent and founder of Harrison Tax Services.
According to a First Orion report, almost half of all calls placed to U.S. mobile phone numbers are from "scammers" -- those trying to steal money or personal information from unsuspecting Americans. These calls are especially prevalent during tax season, when scammers claim to be with the IRS and threaten swift action if their demands are not met.
Harrison notes that these calls have similar red flags that will identify the communication as a scam. Callers impersonating an IRS employee will often:
Demand an immediate payment. The IRS will never call a taxpayer to demand money before first sending a letter with a full explanation of the situation. And if taxes are in fact owed, the IRS allows taxpayers to make an appeal.
Threaten to have you arrested. While the IRS has the ability to make you pay your taxes, they will never threaten to call the police over an unpaid tax bill. Some callers will threaten immediate legal action, such as a lawsuit -- a practice that the IRS says its employees will never do over the phone.
Ask for personal information. The IRS will never ask for your bank or credit card information over the phone. This information is valuable to identify thieves, who may try to access these accounts.
"Once a call is recognized as a scam, call recipients should immediately hang up and make a report," advised Harrison. Anyone with an internet connection can easily report the incident online using the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration's website.
About Harrison Tax Service, Inc.
Harrison Tax Service, Inc. provides tax services, tax preparation and planning and IRS audit representation, as well as accounting services, including small business accounting, payroll, part-time CFO services, QuickBooks setup and training, and personal accounting. Their motto is "It's your money, you earned it, you should keep it." The goal of Harrison Tax Service is to help a business pay as little as possible with superior service. For more information, call (719) 597-2007 or visit http://www.harrisontaxservice.com/. Harrison Tax Service, Inc. is located at 1623 N Circle Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.
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