Taxes 2023: How To Protect Yourself From the Rise in 'Vishing' Scams

Taxes / FilingMan with laptop calling on phone at home office stock photo

dolgachov / iStock.com Tax season is a time when scams can be rampant. Scammers are all too eager to feed on tax-related anxieties and extract sensitive information from unassuming taxpayers by pretending to be a member of the IRS.

And this year, there’s a new type of scam to be aware of: “vishing.” Check Out: 5 Presidents Who Raised Taxes the Most, and 5 Who Lowered Them
More: 3 Signs You’re Serious About Raising Your Credit Score “Vishing” is short for “voice phishing” and refers to the use of phone calls to scam people, as opposed to using text or email.

This type of scam is on the rise in 2023, The Street reported. Fortunately, educating yourself about these schemes can be an effective defense. Here’s what you need to know about vishing scams to protect yourself from becoming a potential victim.

Beware of the Common ‘IRS’ Vishing Scams

Scammers impersonating the IRS will create a sense of urgency with their phone calls, and will try to extract either payment or sensitive information from the victim.

John Wilson, senior fellow of threat research at Fortra, a cybersecurity software and services provider, describes a common vishing phone call you may receive during tax season: “A caller, supposedly from the IRS, says there’s been some sort of legal action involving your Social Security number, and they’ll send agents to your home unless you provide money to correct it.” Alternatively, they may say there is an issue with your tax refund, and ask for your personal information to resolve the issue. “They will insist on cooperation with their request, and [say that] any noncompliance may result in a warrant being issued for your arrest, or other fines and penalties,” said Rob Burnette, professional tax preparer at Outlook Financial Center in Troy, Ohio. “The problem may be with a tax identification number, a bank [account number] or other personal information that is found on a tax return.

Some of your information may be already in the hands of the scammer, and they are trying to fill in gaps for their scam today and for future identity theft attempts.” Take Our Poll: What Do You Plan To Use Your Tax Refund For?

Be Skeptical of Any Phone Call That Claims To Be From the IRS

When you receive a phone call from someone purporting to be from the IRS, your first instinct may be to panic, which can cloud your ability to assess whether the call is legit or not. “If you get a call from someone claiming to be the IRS, start by assuming it is fake,” said Herman “Tommy” Thompson Jr., a certified financial planner with Innovative Financial Group in Atlanta. “The IRS sends you letters in the mail and makes you sit on hold when you call.

IRS agents could call you, but it’s most likely not the IRS calling you.” You should be especially skeptical if the caller asks for any sort of payment over the phone. “The IRS may ask for payment of an overdue bill via letter, but they will never ask for payment to anything other than the United States Treasury,” Thompson said.

Other red flags include asking for payment via a gift card or threatening arrest. “The IRS does not accept gift cards, crypto, PayPal, Venmo or any other digital transfer outside of the IRS.gov website,” Thompson said. “IRS agents will not get aggressive and threaten to call the cops. They also can’t negotiate a settlement in five minutes, [such as making an] offer to satisfy your £2,500 debt for a £500 payment today.”

Your Best Defense Is Not Answering the Call in the First Place

“The scams evolve over time, but the defense remains the same: If you don’t recognize the number on your caller ID, let it go to voicemail,” Thompson said.

You can then go online to check if others have reported getting suspicious calls from that number “If it really is the IRS, you can call them back at the phone number on IRS.gov,” Thompson said. If you do answer the phone, do not share any sensitive information.

“Don’t ever give away your Social Security number, bank account information or security words over the phone,” Thompson said. “Assume the person on the other end of the line is a scammer before you ever trust an unsolicited phone call from the IRS.” Fortra’s Wilson recommends implementing a spam blocker on your phone. “Telecom providers and consumer apps can help block or flag numbers likely to generate spam calls,” he said. “There’s also the government’s Do Not Call Registry, which can help you avoid telemarketers — though scammers aren’t likely to play by the rules.

But registering could keep you off some phone lists used by fraudsters.” If you do receive a phone call from someone pretending to be from the IRS, report the call to the appropriate authorities. “Contact the Federal Communications Commission if you receive calls that seem fraudulent, and alert the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center if you incur a financial loss related to vishing,” Wilson said.

More From GOBankingRates

Share This Article:

autodesk listed on couponmatrix.ukcurvy-kate listed on couponmatrix.uknever-fully-dressed listed on couponmatrix.ukscotts-of-stow listed on couponmatrix.ukshoeaholics listed on couponmatrix.uktoolstop listed on couponmatrix.uk
autodesk listed on couponmatrix.ukCreatives can get up to speed on the latest design, modelling and engineering software, with an Autodesk promo code. With industry leading software packages that are used in film, television, gaming, engineering and graphic design, you can be sure you’ll have cutting edge products when spending Autodesk discount codes. Groupon is happy to help, with aspiring graphic artists, architects and game designers able to make use of Autodesk voucher codes. Founded in 1982 by John Walker, the company’s first software was the original versions of AutoCAD, or computer-aided design software. The software was at first mostly used by architects, engineers and structural designers to model buildings and machines. The company has since branched out into media and entertainment, with Autodesk products used widely within film special effects and editing, game design, animation and colour grading. The company’s software has, in fact, been at the forefront of various breakthroughs in special effects, and films featuring effects created by Autodesk software have won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects for 16 consecutive years. Whether you want to be the next CGI craftsman or tomorrow’s leading architectural genius, you can get ahead with the help of an Autodesk promo code. Create impressive animations using Autodesk Maya, design skyscrapers with AutoCAD Architecture or sculpt and paint your creations using Autodesk Mudbox. Whatever your ambitions, you can greatly benefit from using Autodesk’s industry-leading software. Make sure you stay ahead of the curve. Fancy trying your hand at a little 3D modelling? Want to learn the ropes and start designing buildings? Make use of Autodesk discount codes to start using Autodesk products, and you’ll find yourself in the company of experts. Groupon is offering Autodesk voucher codes to help you start modelling, sculpting, rendering, texturing and simulating.
curvy-kate listed on couponmatrix.ukIf you're looking for a discount code for Curvy Kate, you've come to the right place! When you want to feel bold and beautiful with your swimwear, lingerie and underwear, there are few better options than Curvy Kate. Whether you're looking for a new swimsuit or some de;icate knickers, we can help you find the perfect Curvy Kate discount code to suit your needs. So what are you waiting for? Start browsing our selection of codes and vouchers today and see how much you can save! At Groupon, we understand that everyone loves a good deal. That's why we work hard to find the best discount codes and vouchers for Curvy Kate. We know that you want to be able to find the perfect code to suit your needs, which is why we have a range of codes and vouchers available. So what are you waiting for? Start browsing our selection today and see how much you can save! The Curvy Kate WonderFull bra is a popular choice for many women, and it's easy to see why. Not only is it comfortable and stylish, but it also comes competitively priced when bought with the latest Curvy Kate vouchers. Hosting side support and a flexible fit, the Wonderfull is adaptable to all varieties of body shapes and sizes. So if you're looking for a new bra that you can feel good about, the Curvy Kate WonderFull bra is a great option.
never-fully-dressed listed on couponmatrix.ukBringing out the real you is all a matter of finding the right threads at Never Fully Dressed. Offering both modest and extravagant styles to suit the bodies and personalities of many, make the most of a Never Fully Dressed discount code and express yourself through your wardrobe for a fraction of the cost. Whether you want a glamorous dress for next weekend’s shindig or a sustainably sourced swimsuit, trust Never Fully Dressed to have the clothing solution you need.
scotts-of-stow listed on couponmatrix.ukTake inspiration from the country home designs at Scotts of Stow and put your dream space together, one piece at a time. Use a Scotts of Stow discount code from us to treat yourself to stylish items straight out of a Cotswolds country home catalogue and whether you’re looking for a show-stopping Chesterfield-style sofa, a quaint tea set or cutting-edge home security tech, you won’t have to blow the budget.
shoeaholics listed on couponmatrix.ukIf you’re ever unsure what’s in for footwear this season, you only have to look over the latest additions to the Shoeaholics catalogue. Host to hundreds of shoes and handbags from designer brands like Aldo, Kurt Geiger and Hunter, you’ll be hard-pressed choosing which chic styles to buy for less with a Shoeaholics discount code. With flash sales and new brand launches guaranteed to keep your shoe selection on trend, you’ll never need another store to satiate your craving for phenomenal footwear.
toolstop listed on couponmatrix.ukAre you a regular trades-person or just love getting your hands dirty with a bit of DIY? Whatever your next project, Toolstop’s huge range of power tools, hand tools and gardening essentials will make your next project that little bit easier. Grab your exclusive Toolstop discount code and benefit from top-quality products at even better prices. Whether you’re knocking down walls or simply putting up a shelf, Toolstop has the solution for you.