Senior Scams

November 19, 2018 10:34 AM

Criminals love to take advantage of seniors. As technology advances, seniors aren't as aware of what is out of the ordinary. Then when a criminal catches someone who doesn't know, he gets swindled.

I get calls telling me I owe the IRS money and back taxes. I don't. And top of that, the IRS doesn't call. They send letters.

Here's a link to the IRS's list of scams. You should review it and know what's out of the ordinary and help educate others, too.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scamsconsumer-alerts

This is from the IRS directly (https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/how-to-know-its-really-the-irs-calling-or-knocking-on-your-door-0):

"The IRS does not:

Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes.
Demand that you pay taxes without the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe. You should also be advised of your rights as a taxpayer.
Threaten to bring in local police, immigration officers or other law-enforcement to have you arrested for not paying. The IRS also cannot revoke your driver’s license, business licenses, or immigration status. Threats like these are common tactics scam artists use to trick victims into buying into their schemes.

If you owe taxes:

The IRS instructs taxpayers to make payments to the “United States Treasury.” The IRS provides specific guidelines on how you can make a tax payment at irs.gov/payments."