Gunnar, you are wrong. The IRS most certainly does make phone calls, but as stated before, they will not discuss anything over the phone without knowing for sure who they're speaking with, which is why they ask questions. If they didn't make phone calls they wouldn't have a phone number associated with your file. You owe money, they'll ask for a phone number and they'll use it if need be.
No "Paula". You are wrong and you are a Shill. Gunnar is right. Esp in the context of calls purporting to be from the IRS about unpaid taxes from this number. As the man says: "If there is ever a problem regarding your taxes you will be notified by mail. ALWAYS! NO exceptions!" That is the cold damp truth.
And what you doing in this thread anyway? And responding to a post from 2014? Some damage control? For more fun, how about you tell us more. We will help you learn.
Guys if a tax payer in arrears has submitted an IRS form 656 (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f656b.pdf) the tax payer will have provided a contact phone number. Calls from the IRS Center that handles these cases are not the initial contact but may happen if clarification of the information on the Form 656 is needed. BUT, since scammers can spoof otherwise legitimate numbers it is always a good idea to call back to a known IRS number to discuss the situation with them. If it is the real IRS calling they will need to ensure they are talking to the person who submitted the form and will not demand payment over the phone or by any of the means favored by con artists.
Perhaps you can provide a verifiable source that proves your statement. This would go a long way in proving those who disagree with you wrong. However, I doubt you will.