No, the IRS Isn’t Calling You, Minnesota

DON'T BE FOOLED

We are smack dab in the middle of tax season, and you need to know that scammers are hard at work trying to get your personal information and your money. AARP Minnesota is informing people here at home what to watch out for and how to protect themselves.

A current IRS Imposter scam that's happening across our state right now is a scammer will usually start with a robocall.

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IT ALL STARTS WITH A SCAM ROBOCALL

The Robocall urges people to press a number to speak with someone, or they will provide you with a phone number to call. The phone number looks like it's coming from the IRS, but don't be fooled. Scammers can make the Caller ID look like a call from the IRS. Just because your caller ID says IRS, " it does NOT mean it is the IRS.

They sound professional if you call them back or press a number to speak with them. They sound like they are really with the IRS. They may approach each person differently, but in the end, they will demand payment for back taxes. You will be threatened with arrest if you don't comply. They will ask you to pay them any way you can. They'll take a wire transfer. They'll accept gift cards or even cryptocurrency. Sometimes, they will tell you that the IRS owes YOU money and will ask for personal information like your social security number and bank account information.

KEEP YOUR COOL

The IRS is not going to call you and ask for this information. The bottom line is this. Don't ever give out your personal information. If you want to know if you do owe on back taxes, or you are fearful after receiving such a call, don't panic. Here are some tips:

1. Hang up the phone. Don't call any number they give you, and don't click on any texted information they might text you.

2. If you need help with your taxes, AARP Minnesota has a tax assistance program and offers free tax help to ANYONE. They focus on people over 50 with 'low to moderate' income, but if you have questions or are worried about a possible IRS scam, then contact AARP Minnesota online for information.