A consumer alert has been issued by the Internal Revenue Service warning Missourians that scammers are targeting people through direct mail now. Scammers are tricking taxpayers into sending money or asking to verify personal information and the criminals are being aggressive by threatening arrest or demanding to be paid immediately.
Michael Devine with the IRS says be vigilant if being asked for personal information or to send money.
“If the only contact you normally have with the IRS is sending in your tax return once a year, you should be very suspicious of any unexpected contact,” says Devine. “We are getting better at catching these criminals, but they’re evolving in their tactics and techniques to try and steal your information and money.”
Devine says the letters being sent out look very authentic and if in doubt, he says to double-check by calling the IRS. The IRS will not contact taxpayers via phone, email or social media.
Devine says filing electronically is still the fastest, safest and most accurate way to file taxes.