Social Security and IRS Scams Are Growing!

So many are petrified that one wrong move and they can lose everything they have worked so hard for. Let’s discuss what you, your friends or an elderly family member should do if you receive a scam call or piece of mail.

Victims are receiving a telephone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS. They are told that they will be arrested if they do not make a payment immediately and asked to wire money, using Money Gram, Walmart, and other wire services. Millions of dollars have been stolen from innocent, trusting Americans.

5 Signs to tip you off…is it or is not the IRS calling you?  

• IRS will not call you to demand immediate payment about taxes you owe without first mailing you a bill.
• IRS does not demand that you pay taxes without giving you the chance to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.
• IRS does not require you to use a certain payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.
• IRS does not ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
• IRS does not threaten to bring in local police or other law enforcement to have you arrested for not paying.

What should you do if you receive a call that you are not completely confident whether it was the IRS?

• Immediately hang up.
• Report to the local law authorities that you have received a phone call that is a scam. Treasury agents are catching fraudsters throughout the United States who have defrauded millions from distraught Americans.

Social Security will never:

1. Threaten you with benefit suspension, arrest, or other legal action unless you pay a fine or fee.
2. Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.
3. Require payment by retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency, or prepaid debit card.
4. Demand secrecy from you in handling a Social Security-related problem.

Social Security Information and Resources For Seniors and Retirees