The IRS is warning taxpayers about a new phone scam in IRS Internal News Release IR-2018-103, 04/24/18. The scammers are using telephone numbers that show they are calling from the Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TAC) to trick taxpayers into paying non-existent tax bills.
When they call, the TAC telephone number will appear on the taxpayer’s telephone. The scammers will direct the taxpayer to www.IRS.gov to verify the local TAC office number. Then they hang up, wait a short time, and then call back. At this time, they will demand money to pay off the debt.
Remember, the IRS does not call for collection. Never pay any amount without checking with your tax preparer.
I always recommend to my clients that they refer any scam call or actual IRS contact to me. If they say that I have no power of attorney on file, my client should let them know that they will sign one today giving me authority to represent them. A real IRS employee will respect that and call me. A scammer will either hang-up or keep pushing for payment. Either way, do not pay anything over the phone!