Resident reports ‘IRS scam’ call
A Cape Coral resident called The Breeze to report he had received a call from the “IRS.” He said he was not taken in by the scam – the IRS never calls delinquent taxpayers – but wanted to let the public know this scam has apparently resurfaced in Lee County.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office, which has addressed this issue previously, explains how to deal with calls of this sort:
Victims are told they owe money for unpaid taxes, threatening arrest if payment is not made promptly through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer. If the phone isn’t answered, the caller will leave an “urgent” message requesting a callback. THIS IS A SCAM!!!
Please note that the IRS will NEVER:
1. Call to demand immediate payment, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill.
2. Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.
3. Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card or wire transfer.
4. Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
5. Threaten to bring local police or other law enforcement agencies to have you arrested for not paying.
If you owe Federal taxes, or think you might owe taxes, hang up and call the IRS at 800-829-1040. IRS workers can help you with your payment questions.
If you don’t owe taxes, call and report the incident to TIGTA at 800-366-4484.
You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.FTC.gov. Add “IRS Telephone Scam” to the comments in your complaint.
Call the Sheriff’s Office fraud line at 239-258-3292.