AARP Campaign Targets IRS Imposter Scam

As federal regulators report a surge in tax-related fraud schemes, the AARP Fraud Watch Network  has launched a campaign to help protect consumers from the “IRS imposter scam.”

Criminals impersonating agents of the Internal Revenue Service represent an escalating threat to taxpayers, according to the IRS.  These con artists telephone people and tell them that they are in serious trouble for non-payment of back taxes.

The targets are aggressively threatened with police arrest, court action, confiscation of property, or even deportation unless they make immediate payment – usually via credit card, debit card or wire transfer.  The Treasury Department reports that since late 2013, more than 5,500 victims have lost approximately $29 million in this scam.

In response, the AARP Fraud Watch Network is conducting an educational campaign, with digital advertising featuring a new tip sheet and online video.

“Our goal is to warn consumers and empower them with the knowledge they need to keep their family members from falling victim to the IRS imposters,” said Nancy LeaMond, Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer, AARP.  “Once they recognize certain red flags, they will be confident in resisting the aggressive bullying and scare tactics used by the scammers.”

The Fraud Watch Network campaign is advising consumers that legitimate IRS representatives do not:

• Call you to demand immediate payment.
• Call you about taxes owed without first having contacted you by mail.
• Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card; or ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
• Threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.

For more information about the IRS scam and other tax-related frauds, visit www.aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork.  Consumers who think that they are being targeted by a scammer may call the FWN helpline at 877-908-3360 and speak with a trained counselor.