The Utah Department of Public Safety warns the public that, especially during tax season, many scammers are impersonating the IRS. They might ask for immediate payment by prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. They might even possibly use threats of arrest or deportation. The IRS has very clear guidelines as to what they will and won’t do. They will never “call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes.” They will not “demand that you pay taxes without the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe. You should also be advised of your rights as a taxpayer.” Finally, they will never “threaten to bring in local police, immigration officers or other law-enforcement to have you arrested for not paying. The IRS also cannot revoke your driver’s license, business licenses, or immigration status. Threats like these are common tactics scam artists use to trick victims into buying into their schemes.” While an IRS collections employee might visit a home or business they will always provide two forms of official credentials called a pocket commission and a HSPD-12, that individuals have the right to see.
