"Federal Charges are pending against you" is a classic line in their calls. Here's info on the scam.
Forbes magazine recently ran an excellent article on the 2015 scams. Here's the link:
Yep...it's the IRS scam. Called the number after blocking mine and man with heavy Indian accent said, "United States Treasury" how can I help you? I said, "really, you're the US treasury department?" He said, "yes mam, did you receive a call from us?" I said, "yes, you must be calling about the error you made on my refund. So when can I expect my $18,000 dollars?" He hung up on me.
I got 3 successive calls from 681 753 4968 leaving an intense automated message on my voice mail alerting me that ignoring this 2nd attempt would make me face charges in Federal Court, if I refuse to cooperate....
I called back that # from my work, and asked who I was speaking to. I was told it was Officer Robin Mathews in Washington with the US Department of Treasury.
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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