Recorded message to notify me that the IRS is filing a lawsuit against me. Says I should call them at 478-201-8357 (the same number that showed on my caller ID.) I know the IRS does not work that way, but I called them hoping to call their bluff. Got lots of clicking noises for about thirty seconds, followed by loss of connection. I'm amazed that I am the first to post it here!
Recorded message to notify me that the IRS is filing a lawsuit against me. Says I should call them at 478-201-8357 (the same number that showed on my caller ID.) I know the IRS does not work that way, but I called them hoping to call their bluff. Got lots of clicking noises for about thirty seconds, followed by loss of connection. I'm amazed that I am the first to post it here!
Here is a piece of information from the IRS web site:
Thieves call taxpayers claiming to be IRS officials. They demand that the victim pay a bogus tax bill. They con the victim into sending cash, usually through a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. They may also leave “urgent” callback requests through phone “robo-calls,” or via phishing email.
Callers try to scare their victims. Many phone scams use threats... They may even threaten to arrest, deport or revoke the license of their victim if they don’t get the money...
Scammers often alter caller ID to make it look like the IRS or another agency is calling. The callers use IRS titles and fake badge numbers to appear legitimate. They may use the victim’s name, address and other personal information to make the call sound official...
Some schemes provide an actual IRS address where they tell the victim to mail a receipt for the payment they make. Others use emails that contain a fake IRS document with a phone number or an email address for a reply.