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Berkeley County Deputies Warn Against IRS Phone Scams

by Nikki Gaskins Campbell
Potential phone scam victims may be told that they owe money that must be paid immediately to the IRS or they are entitled to big refunds. When unsuccessful the first time, sometimes phone scammers call back trying a new strategy.
Potential phone scam victims may be told that they owe money that must be paid immediately to the IRS or they are entitled to big refunds. When unsuccessful the first time, sometimes phone scammers call back trying a new strategy.

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–According to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, they’ve recently received numerous reports of IRS scammers calling area homeowners.

During the phone call, the scammer generally tells the potential victim that he or she owes money to the IRS. Failure to pay will result in jail time or a lawsuit, the caller claims.

Below, is an actual recording sent to a Berkeley County homeowner this month. In the call, the person claims to be with the IRS.

“The IRS will NEVER call you, if you get a call, it is a scam guaranteed,” read a statement by the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office. “Please remind the ones you love that these are scammers as they robocall by the tens of thousands and, invariably, someone bites – don’t let it be you or one you love.”

Additionally, it is important for taxpayers to know that the IRS:

  • Never asks for credit card, debit card or prepaid card information over the telephone.
  • Never insists that taxpayers use a specific payment method to pay tax obligations
  • Never requests immediate payment over the telephone and will not take enforcement action immediately following a phone conversation. Taxpayers usually receive prior notification of IRS enforcement action involving IRS tax liens or levies.

If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, here’s what you should do:

  • If you know you owe taxes or you think you might owe taxes, call the IRS at 1.800.829.1040. The IRS employees at that line can help you with a payment issue, if there really is such an issue.
  • If you know you don’t owe taxes or have no reason to think that you owe any taxes (for example, you’ve never received a bill or the caller made some bogus threats as described above), then call and report the incident to TIGTA at 1.800.366.4484.
  • You can file a complaint using the FTC Complaint Assistant; choose “Other” and then “Imposter Scams.” If the complaint involves someone impersonating the IRS, include the words “IRS Telephone Scam” in the notes.

To learn more, click here.
Nikki Gaskins Campbell
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