Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin last week cautioned consumers about a new twist on an IRS scam.
Traditionally, the scammers would call a consumer stating they were calling from the IRS to let the consumer know they owed back taxes and were going to be arrested if they did not make a payment right away, using a pre-paid debit card. More often than not, if the consumer did not answer the phone, the scammer would not leave a message, and would move on to their next target.
Now, he said, the scammers have created a sophisticated network of phone calls and return phone numbers in order to fool the consumer into thinking they are legitimate. More and more often, the scammers will leave a voicemail indicating they are from the IRS calling about a problem with your tax return and request the consumer call them back immediately.
Attorney General Kilmartin strongly suggests not to engage the caller. "If someone calls claiming to be from the IRS, simply hang up. If you receive a voicemail from someone claiming to be from the IRS, do not call them back," said Kilmartin. For more information, click here.
