Consumer Protection

Listen to the Rutledge Report podcast on the IRS Scam

A number of Arkansans have reported phone calls from purported Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents demanding the consumer pay back taxes immediately to avoid being arrested.

These con artists sometimes alter the display of your caller ID to make the call seem more legitimate. Beware as these calls can sound authentic and convincing.

Remember that no government entity, including the IRS, will ask for your personal financial information through an unsolicited phone call or email.

The IRS will not:

• Contact you regarding payment or taxes without having mailed a letter.
• Demand payment without allowing opportunity for question or appeal.

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  Require a specific payment method, such as a prepaid debit card or wire transfer.
• Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
• Threaten to contact local police or other law enforcement to have you arrested.

What if I receive a bogus IRS call?

• Contact the IRS at (800) 829-1040.
• Report the call to the U.S. Treasury’s Inspector General for Tax Administration at (800) 366-4484.
• Report the call to the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov.