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Tax Season Heightens IRS Scams

Posted on 04/03/24 by Dawn Alexander

Tax season isn't just about filing returns; it's also prime time for IRS impostor scams. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported theft of $5.8 million via these scams in 2023 alone. Here is what you need to know about IRS impostors so you can stay one step ahead of these crooks.

IRS impostor scams often begin with a robocall, instructing you to press a number on your keypad to talk with a live agent or call back using the number provided. Victims often trust these contacts because the phone numbers seem legitimate. However scammers can manipulate caller ID to appear as through the call is coming from the IRS.

Once they have you on the phone, they may demand payment for back taxes under the threat of arrest. The payment of choice in these scams tend to be via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. If you get this type of request, it is 100% certainly a scam.

Sometimes these impostors will claim the IRS owes you an unexpected refund in an attempt to steal sensitive information like your Social Security number or bank account details.

Even if a caller has personally identifiable information of yours to “prove” who they are, don’t believe it. Disengage, and if you’re concerned, contact the entity via a trusted number (a paper statement or by finding a number on that entity’s website).

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

 

Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork  or call the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.

AARP Events for Prescott

AARP Events for Prescott

• Walk and Roll: Advocating for Pedestrians and Cyclists

  Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 7:30 a.m. MST

  Zoom

  Online Event

• Holiday Healing: Tools to Help Overcome Social Isolation

  Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. MST

  Facebook

  Online Event

• Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series

  Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. MST

  Zoom

  Online Event

View All AARP Events

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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Tax Season Heightens IRS Scams</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 04/03/24 
				by <b>Dawn Alexander</b>			</div>
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Tax season isn't just about filing returns; it's also prime time for IRS impostor scams. According to the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/GovernmentImposter/Infographic" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>, consumers reported theft of $5.8 million via these scams in 2023 alone. Here is what you need to know about IRS impostors so you can stay one step ahead of these crooks.<br><br>IRS impostor scams often begin with a robocall, instructing you to press a number on your keypad to talk with a live agent or call back using the number provided. Victims often trust these contacts because the phone numbers seem legitimate. However scammers can manipulate caller ID to appear as through the call is coming from the IRS.<br><br>Once they have you on the phone, they may demand payment for back taxes under the threat of arrest. The payment of choice in these scams tend to be via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. If you get this type of request, it is 100% certainly a scam.<br><br>Sometimes these impostors will claim the IRS owes you an unexpected refund in an attempt to steal sensitive information like your Social Security number or bank account details.<br><br>Even if a caller has personally identifiable information of yours to “prove” who they are, don’t believe it. Disengage, and if you’re concerned, contact the entity via a trusted number (a paper statement or by finding a number on that entity’s website).<br></p><div class="Enhancement" >
            
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        </div><p>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br><b>Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b><u>&nbsp;</u> or call the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.</b><br><br></p></div>
    
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Tax Season Heightens IRS Scams</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 04/03/24 
				by <b>Dawn Alexander</b>			</div>
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Tax season isn't just about filing returns; it's also prime time for IRS impostor scams. According to the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/GovernmentImposter/Infographic" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>, consumers reported theft of $5.8 million via these scams in 2023 alone. Here is what you need to know about IRS impostors so you can stay one step ahead of these crooks.<br><br>IRS impostor scams often begin with a robocall, instructing you to press a number on your keypad to talk with a live agent or call back using the number provided. Victims often trust these contacts because the phone numbers seem legitimate. However scammers can manipulate caller ID to appear as through the call is coming from the IRS.<br><br>Once they have you on the phone, they may demand payment for back taxes under the threat of arrest. The payment of choice in these scams tend to be via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. If you get this type of request, it is 100% certainly a scam.<br><br>Sometimes these impostors will claim the IRS owes you an unexpected refund in an attempt to steal sensitive information like your Social Security number or bank account details.<br><br>Even if a caller has personally identifiable information of yours to “prove” who they are, don’t believe it. Disengage, and if you’re concerned, contact the entity via a trusted number (a paper statement or by finding a number on that entity’s website).<br></p><div class="Enhancement" >
            
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Tax Season Heightens IRS Scams</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 04/03/24 
				by <b>Dawn Alexander</b>			</div>
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			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Tax season isn't just about filing returns; it's also prime time for IRS impostor scams. According to the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/GovernmentImposter/Infographic" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>, consumers reported theft of $5.8 million via these scams in 2023 alone. Here is what you need to know about IRS impostors so you can stay one step ahead of these crooks.<br><br>IRS impostor scams often begin with a robocall, instructing you to press a number on your keypad to talk with a live agent or call back using the number provided. Victims often trust these contacts because the phone numbers seem legitimate. However scammers can manipulate caller ID to appear as through the call is coming from the IRS.<br><br>Once they have you on the phone, they may demand payment for back taxes under the threat of arrest. The payment of choice in these scams tend to be via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. If you get this type of request, it is 100% certainly a scam.<br><br>Sometimes these impostors will claim the IRS owes you an unexpected refund in an attempt to steal sensitive information like your Social Security number or bank account details.<br><br>Even if a caller has personally identifiable information of yours to “prove” who they are, don’t believe it. Disengage, and if you’re concerned, contact the entity via a trusted number (a paper statement or by finding a number on that entity’s website).<br></p><div class="Enhancement" >
            
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        </div><p>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br><b>Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b><u>&nbsp;</u> or call the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.</b><br><br></p></div>
    
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Tax Season Heightens IRS Scams</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 04/03/24 
				by <b>Dawn Alexander</b>			</div>
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			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Tax season isn't just about filing returns; it's also prime time for IRS impostor scams. According to the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/GovernmentImposter/Infographic" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>, consumers reported theft of $5.8 million via these scams in 2023 alone. Here is what you need to know about IRS impostors so you can stay one step ahead of these crooks.<br><br>IRS impostor scams often begin with a robocall, instructing you to press a number on your keypad to talk with a live agent or call back using the number provided. Victims often trust these contacts because the phone numbers seem legitimate. However scammers can manipulate caller ID to appear as through the call is coming from the IRS.<br><br>Once they have you on the phone, they may demand payment for back taxes under the threat of arrest. The payment of choice in these scams tend to be via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. If you get this type of request, it is 100% certainly a scam.<br><br>Sometimes these impostors will claim the IRS owes you an unexpected refund in an attempt to steal sensitive information like your Social Security number or bank account details.<br><br>Even if a caller has personally identifiable information of yours to “prove” who they are, don’t believe it. Disengage, and if you’re concerned, contact the entity via a trusted number (a paper statement or by finding a number on that entity’s website).<br></p><div class="Enhancement" >
            
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        </div><p>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br><b>Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b><u>&nbsp;</u> or call the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.</b><br><br></p></div>
    
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Tax Season Heightens IRS Scams</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 04/03/24 
				by <b>Dawn Alexander</b>			</div>
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Tax season isn't just about filing returns; it's also prime time for IRS impostor scams. According to the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/GovernmentImposter/Infographic" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>, consumers reported theft of $5.8 million via these scams in 2023 alone. Here is what you need to know about IRS impostors so you can stay one step ahead of these crooks.<br><br>IRS impostor scams often begin with a robocall, instructing you to press a number on your keypad to talk with a live agent or call back using the number provided. Victims often trust these contacts because the phone numbers seem legitimate. However scammers can manipulate caller ID to appear as through the call is coming from the IRS.<br><br>Once they have you on the phone, they may demand payment for back taxes under the threat of arrest. The payment of choice in these scams tend to be via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. If you get this type of request, it is 100% certainly a scam.<br><br>Sometimes these impostors will claim the IRS owes you an unexpected refund in an attempt to steal sensitive information like your Social Security number or bank account details.<br><br>Even if a caller has personally identifiable information of yours to “prove” who they are, don’t believe it. Disengage, and if you’re concerned, contact the entity via a trusted number (a paper statement or by finding a number on that entity’s website).<br></p><div class="Enhancement" >
            
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        </div><p>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br><b>Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b><u>&nbsp;</u> or call the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.</b><br><br></p></div>
    
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Tax Season Heightens IRS Scams</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 04/03/24 
				by <b>Dawn Alexander</b>			</div>
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Tax season isn't just about filing returns; it's also prime time for IRS impostor scams. According to the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/GovernmentImposter/Infographic" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>, consumers reported theft of $5.8 million via these scams in 2023 alone. Here is what you need to know about IRS impostors so you can stay one step ahead of these crooks.<br><br>IRS impostor scams often begin with a robocall, instructing you to press a number on your keypad to talk with a live agent or call back using the number provided. Victims often trust these contacts because the phone numbers seem legitimate. However scammers can manipulate caller ID to appear as through the call is coming from the IRS.<br><br>Once they have you on the phone, they may demand payment for back taxes under the threat of arrest. The payment of choice in these scams tend to be via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. If you get this type of request, it is 100% certainly a scam.<br><br>Sometimes these impostors will claim the IRS owes you an unexpected refund in an attempt to steal sensitive information like your Social Security number or bank account details.<br><br>Even if a caller has personally identifiable information of yours to “prove” who they are, don’t believe it. Disengage, and if you’re concerned, contact the entity via a trusted number (a paper statement or by finding a number on that entity’s website).<br></p><div class="Enhancement" >
            
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        </div><p>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br><b>Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b><u>&nbsp;</u> or call the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.</b><br><br></p></div>
    
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Tax Season Heightens IRS Scams</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 04/03/24 
				by <b>Dawn Alexander</b>			</div>
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Tax Season Heightens IRS Scams</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 04/03/24 
				by <b>Dawn Alexander</b>			</div>
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			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Tax season isn't just about filing returns; it's also prime time for IRS impostor scams. According to the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/GovernmentImposter/Infographic" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>, consumers reported theft of $5.8 million via these scams in 2023 alone. Here is what you need to know about IRS impostors so you can stay one step ahead of these crooks.<br><br>IRS impostor scams often begin with a robocall, instructing you to press a number on your keypad to talk with a live agent or call back using the number provided. Victims often trust these contacts because the phone numbers seem legitimate. However scammers can manipulate caller ID to appear as through the call is coming from the IRS.<br><br>Once they have you on the phone, they may demand payment for back taxes under the threat of arrest. The payment of choice in these scams tend to be via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. If you get this type of request, it is 100% certainly a scam.<br><br>Sometimes these impostors will claim the IRS owes you an unexpected refund in an attempt to steal sensitive information like your Social Security number or bank account details.<br><br>Even if a caller has personally identifiable information of yours to “prove” who they are, don’t believe it. Disengage, and if you’re concerned, contact the entity via a trusted number (a paper statement or by finding a number on that entity’s website).<br></p><div class="Enhancement" >
            
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        </div><p>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br><b>Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b><u>&nbsp;</u> or call the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.</b><br><br></p></div>
    
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Tax Season Heightens IRS Scams</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 04/03/24 
				by <b>Dawn Alexander</b>			</div>
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Tax season isn't just about filing returns; it's also prime time for IRS impostor scams. According to the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/GovernmentImposter/Infographic" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>, consumers reported theft of $5.8 million via these scams in 2023 alone. Here is what you need to know about IRS impostors so you can stay one step ahead of these crooks.<br><br>IRS impostor scams often begin with a robocall, instructing you to press a number on your keypad to talk with a live agent or call back using the number provided. Victims often trust these contacts because the phone numbers seem legitimate. However scammers can manipulate caller ID to appear as through the call is coming from the IRS.<br><br>Once they have you on the phone, they may demand payment for back taxes under the threat of arrest. The payment of choice in these scams tend to be via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. If you get this type of request, it is 100% certainly a scam.<br><br>Sometimes these impostors will claim the IRS owes you an unexpected refund in an attempt to steal sensitive information like your Social Security number or bank account details.<br><br>Even if a caller has personally identifiable information of yours to “prove” who they are, don’t believe it. Disengage, and if you’re concerned, contact the entity via a trusted number (a paper statement or by finding a number on that entity’s website).<br></p><div class="Enhancement" >
            
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</figure>
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        </div><p>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br><b>Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b><u>&nbsp;</u> or call the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.</b><br><br></p></div>
    
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Tax Season Heightens IRS Scams</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 04/03/24 
				by <b>Dawn Alexander</b>			</div>
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Tax season isn't just about filing returns; it's also prime time for IRS impostor scams. According to the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/GovernmentImposter/Infographic" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>, consumers reported theft of $5.8 million via these scams in 2023 alone. Here is what you need to know about IRS impostors so you can stay one step ahead of these crooks.<br><br>IRS impostor scams often begin with a robocall, instructing you to press a number on your keypad to talk with a live agent or call back using the number provided. Victims often trust these contacts because the phone numbers seem legitimate. However scammers can manipulate caller ID to appear as through the call is coming from the IRS.<br><br>Once they have you on the phone, they may demand payment for back taxes under the threat of arrest. The payment of choice in these scams tend to be via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. If you get this type of request, it is 100% certainly a scam.<br><br>Sometimes these impostors will claim the IRS owes you an unexpected refund in an attempt to steal sensitive information like your Social Security number or bank account details.<br><br>Even if a caller has personally identifiable information of yours to “prove” who they are, don’t believe it. Disengage, and if you’re concerned, contact the entity via a trusted number (a paper statement or by finding a number on that entity’s website).<br></p><div class="Enhancement" >
            
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        </div><p>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br><b>Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b><u>&nbsp;</u> or call the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.</b><br><br></p></div>
    
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		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Tax Season Heightens IRS Scams</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 04/03/24 
				by <b>Dawn Alexander</b>			</div>
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			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Tax season isn't just about filing returns; it's also prime time for IRS impostor scams. According to the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/GovernmentImposter/Infographic" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>, consumers reported theft of $5.8 million via these scams in 2023 alone. Here is what you need to know about IRS impostors so you can stay one step ahead of these crooks.<br><br>IRS impostor scams often begin with a robocall, instructing you to press a number on your keypad to talk with a live agent or call back using the number provided. Victims often trust these contacts because the phone numbers seem legitimate. However scammers can manipulate caller ID to appear as through the call is coming from the IRS.<br><br>Once they have you on the phone, they may demand payment for back taxes under the threat of arrest. The payment of choice in these scams tend to be via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. If you get this type of request, it is 100% certainly a scam.<br><br>Sometimes these impostors will claim the IRS owes you an unexpected refund in an attempt to steal sensitive information like your Social Security number or bank account details.<br><br>Even if a caller has personally identifiable information of yours to “prove” who they are, don’t believe it. Disengage, and if you’re concerned, contact the entity via a trusted number (a paper statement or by finding a number on that entity’s website).<br></p><div class="Enhancement" >
            
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        </div><p>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br><b>Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b><u>&nbsp;</u> or call the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.</b><br><br></p></div>
    
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2>
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					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
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			<p><a class="link-red" href="/prescott-az/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
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		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
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	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
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		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PRESCOTT-AZ">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PRESCOTT-AZ">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
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<h2>Contact AARP<br />Arizona</h2>
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<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/arizona/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Arizona</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/how-to-contact-aarp-arizona/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-PRESCOTT-AZ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


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<a href="https://twitter.com/AZ_AARP" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpaz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Tax Season Heightens IRS Scams</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 04/03/24 
				by <b>Dawn Alexander</b>			</div>
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Tax season isn't just about filing returns; it's also prime time for IRS impostor scams. According to the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/GovernmentImposter/Infographic" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>, consumers reported theft of $5.8 million via these scams in 2023 alone. Here is what you need to know about IRS impostors so you can stay one step ahead of these crooks.<br><br>IRS impostor scams often begin with a robocall, instructing you to press a number on your keypad to talk with a live agent or call back using the number provided. Victims often trust these contacts because the phone numbers seem legitimate. However scammers can manipulate caller ID to appear as through the call is coming from the IRS.<br><br>Once they have you on the phone, they may demand payment for back taxes under the threat of arrest. The payment of choice in these scams tend to be via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. If you get this type of request, it is 100% certainly a scam.<br><br>Sometimes these impostors will claim the IRS owes you an unexpected refund in an attempt to steal sensitive information like your Social Security number or bank account details.<br><br>Even if a caller has personally identifiable information of yours to “prove” who they are, don’t believe it. Disengage, and if you’re concerned, contact the entity via a trusted number (a paper statement or by finding a number on that entity’s website).<br></p><div class="Enhancement" >
            
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        </div><p>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br><b>Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b><u>&nbsp;</u> or call the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.</b><br><br></p></div>
    
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2>
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					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
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			<p><a class="link-red" href="/prescott-az/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
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		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PRESCOTT-AZ">Renew</a> or 
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<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/how-to-contact-aarp-arizona/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-PRESCOTT-AZ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


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include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
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