Let’s be honest, it’s all about the Benjamins. Whether you’re getting them or giving them, it’s all Benjamins all the time. #LifeMotto. Unfortunately, the never-ending IRS phone scam has more and more people unnecessarily losing money to fraudsters. I see new articles every day about this IRS Scam and how it’s tricking people all over the country. Since its inception, over $36.5 million dollars has been collected by IRS scammers – and that’s only from 6,400 victims. That’s over $5,700 lost per victim!
With proper app protection, these calls should never get through to users. However, scammers can be conniving little devils and knowing what a scam looks like can help save you, should one ever get through the line of defense. Let’s break it down.
Top Area Codes Associated with the IRS Scam
- 202 (Washington, D.C.)
- 509 (Spokane and eastern WA)
- 206 (Seattle, WA)
- 360 (Western WA)
- 347 (New York City, NY)
- 253 (Southern WA)
- 315 (Upstate NY)
- 832 (Houston, TX)
- 914 (Westchester County, NY)
- 646 (New York City, NY)
Five Ways to Identify an IRS Scammer
- They call you. Hang up. The end.
- The call comes through as “IRS”, “FBI”, “US Treasury”, etc.
- They know basic details but ask for sensitive information like birth date or social security number.
- They demand immediate payment via prepaid debit, wired money transfer, etc.
- They use scare tactics like threatening to call the police.
IRS scammers also leave urgent voicemails and over 17 percent of users will respond. During peak tax season, the average callback lasts about 26 seconds. Think of the last time you were cornered into a conversation by that awkward coworker and then you’ll know how long 26 seconds can really be.
Stay safe and alert your loved ones. I can think of a million other ways that I’d like to spend $5,700. I’m sure you can too.
