Automated message saying IRS was filing lawsuit against me/husband/both of us/adult child living at home??? Gave no info about whom was being sued. Tried to call back to inform them I was aware of the scam but there was no answer.
I also received a call from 360-232-5842 with a recorded message for me to call this number as soon as possible regarding an IRS lawsuit. When I returned the call, they said they were the IRS and asked for my phone number as my case number (seemed odd). They attempted to verify my address at which point I did not verify the address and asked why they were calling. I was told the IRS has conducted an audit of my taxes from 2008 - 2012 and found major discrepancies in the taxes I had filed (also odd since I use a reputable accountant). I was also told that the IRS has made multiple attempts to contact me by mail and I have not responded (again strange since I have never received any notices from the postal service or the IRS). At that point, I was told that the remainder of this conversation would be on a recorded line and for me to be very careful of what I said because my comments could be used in court!!). The man on the phone told me that if I don't settle this matter immediately everything I own could be compromised, my credit destroyed and my drivers' license revoked. Realizing that this was a scam - - and just playing along - - I asked, OK tell me what I need to do to settle this matter? I was told that someone from the Sherrif's office would be at my door in 45 minutes to present me with the proper paperwork. That was about 15 minutes ago . . . I'm here along with my 2 easily aggravated boxers and a cup of tea . . . waiting to see if I have a visitor this afternoon.
I'm realizing (hoping!) this is a scam . . . but I don't understand the point of the scam?? Just to make phone calls and have folks wonder what's going on? What is the purpose?
Called 1:17 CDT. Taped message played advising IRS is going to sue. Caller ID displayed "unknown caller". Using "*69" to recall the number that called me, message was 360-232-5842, which is the number given if you want to talk to the IRS about your situation. This is a SCAM as the IRS conducts its correspondence by US Mail.
Well, if you stay on the line long enough, the scammer will ask you how you are going to deal with this. Then he will give you the amount you owe the IRS and tell you you have to go buy some sort of untraceable money cards, or other untraceable instrument and send money to him or a US mule. If you do this, he will tell you, the whole problem will go away.
Total scam. Originates in either India or Pakistan. Block and ignore. DO NOT RETURN THE CALL!
See: http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Reiterate ... -Telephone-Scam
Report them:
https://www.treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report_scam.shtml
I’m an Enrolled Agent with the IRS (Inactive). IRS does not initiate contacts by phone. US mail only. IRS does not file lawsuits. Court action, if any is handled by the DOJ and all parties are entitled to legal assistance if it is a criminal matter. But--tax disputes are for the most part civil matters. 90% of all IRS tax disputes are settled administratively. IRS has absolutely no authority to call on local law enforcement for anything. Local law is never involved in IRS tax disputes. IRS does not threaten to involve local law enforcement or to arrest you for nonpayment of federal taxes. IRS has no powers of arrest. If LE is necessary, US Marshals do the job. IRS does not cold call anyone and demand immediate payment of money. IRS does not ask for financial information over the phone. IRS does not accept Green card money paks for payment in any case. No one is prosecuted for ordinary tax disputes. IRS has absolutely no authority over anyone's professional license. Professional licensing is handled by state governments. Yes, levies on property to satisfy an existing tax obligation do occur, but only after a very long period of negotiation. And yes, liens are placed on individuals but usually after a lot of negotiation and a failure to reach a settlement. All determinations of tax liability are subject to appeals. All contacts by the IRS are initiated by US mail.
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