Is the IRS Demanding Money From You?

May 26, 2016

In just one day this week, over 350 people in Vermont reported getting calls from someone from "the IRS" demanding that they pay money right away.

One Vermont tax preparer got a call from a client who was about to wire $7,000 to the scammers!

Listen to a recording of a fake "IRS" phone call. Not all calls will sound like this. Some may be live callers.

Don't be fooled into handing over your money to these scammers.

Remember these simple facts:

  • The real IRS will not call you to tell you that you owe money.
    • The real IRS will send a letter first.
    • The real IRS usually will not call you at all, unless you call them.
  • The real IRS will not demand that you pay money right away.
    • If you do owe the IRS money, they will give you choices about how you may pay.
    • The real IRS offers payment plans.
  • The real IRS will not threaten you.

If you get a call from someone who says they are with the IRS and they are demanding that you pay money right away:

  • Don't call back.
  • Don't give any personal information.
  • Don't make plans to wire money.
  • Do write down any information they give you about how to pay money.
  • Do call the Attorney General's office at 1-800-649-2424 or report the scam online.
Updated: Jun 20, 2019