Feb. 25, 2016
HARRISBURG – After receiving several calls from concerned citizens, Rep. Jim Marshall (R-Beaver/Butler) is warning residents of potential Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other tax scams.
“As we move into tax season, you can expect to hear of new frauds tailored around the tax process,” Marshall said. “It is best to be on alert and aware of the warning signs.”
According to the IRS website,
IRS.gov, the following are signs of a scam. The IRS will never:
• Call to demand immediate payment or call about taxes owed without first having mailed a bill.
• Demand payment without giving the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
• Require a specific payment method, such as a prepaid debit card.
• Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
• Threaten to involve local police or other law-enforcement groups.
The IRS warns that scammers often alter caller ID numbers to make it appear as though the IRS or another agency is calling. The callers use IRS titles and fake badge numbers to appear legitimate. They may also use the victim’s name, address and other personal information to make the call sound official.
The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is also warning taxpayers to be vigilant during tax season. Taxpayers should know that the state Department of Revenue does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text message or other electronic means to request personal or financial information. Residents are warned not to open attachments or click on any links within an unsolicited email claiming to be from either the Department of Revenue or IRS.
The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, or TIGTA, has received reports of about 736,000 scam contacts since October 2013. Nearly 4,550 victims have collectively paid over $23 million to scam artists as a result.
Residents who suspect a scam should call the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue at 717-787-8201 or the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. For more information, visit
IRS.gov and enter “scam” into the search bar.
Representative Jim Marshall
14th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Morgan Wagner
717.260.6281
mwagner@pahousegop.com
RepMarshall.com/ Facebook.com/RepMarshall