Ah, taxes. Just when you thought they couldn’t get scarier, along comes a phone scam claiming you owe back taxes. But before you panic and consider selling your collection of ceramic cats to pay off Uncle Sam, hold your horses! It’s not the IRS on the line—it’s a sneaky scammer with a not-so-clever disguise. Let’s unravel this plot and keep your bank account safe.
Dial M for Misleading
Picture this: you’re sipping coffee, minding your own business, when your phone rings. It’s someone from the “Tax Resolution Oversight Department” or the “Tax Mediation and Resolution Agency.” Sounds serious, right? They say you’re behind on taxes and offer to connect you with an official-sounding “tax resolution officer.” They’ll perform a “red flag check” on your credit and enroll you in a fictitious “IRS liability reduction program.” Spoiler alert: none of these programs exist. It’s as real as a unicorn riding a rainbow.
The Voicemail Villains
If you dodge the call, don’t be surprised if they leave a voicemail with urgency, claiming, “This may be our only attempt to reach you.” They’re hoping you’ll call back faster than a cat chasing a laser pointer. But don’t fall for it! It’s a trap designed to swipe your personal info, like your Social Security number, or to charge you an upfront fee for bogus tax debt relief.
The IRS: Old School Communication
Here’s the deal: even if you owe back taxes, the IRS will never start their “you owe us money” conversation with a phone call. Nope, they’re all about that snail mail life. So, if someone calls you out of the blue claiming to be from the IRS, hang up faster than you can say “audit.”
Key Takeaways to Outsmart Scammers:
Hang Up: If a supposed tax agency calls unexpectedly, hit that end call button with gusto.
Guard Your Info: Never, ever give your personal or financial details to random callers. It’s like handing your wallet to a pickpocket.
Verify on IRS.gov: For any tax-related queries, head to IRS.gov. Want to chat with the IRS? Use only phone numbers from their official website, not the ones given by these shady callers.
Educate Yourself: Get the lowdown on government imposter scams at ftc.gov/imposters. If you spot a scam, don’t be shy—report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Staying informed is your best defense against these crafty con artists. So keep your wits about you, and those ceramic cats can stay safely on the shelf.
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Original article: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/hang-unexpected-calls-saying-you-owe-back-taxes-those-are-scams