Tax scam calls are a pervasive issue in the United States, with scammers impersonating IRS agents to steal personal information and money. These fraudulent calls can be distressing and potentially harmful. Fortunately, there are several proactive steps you can take to minimize the risk of receiving such calls.
What Are Tax Scam Calls and How Do They Operate?
Tax scam calls involve individuals posing as IRS agents, claiming you owe back taxes or face legal consequences. They often demand immediate payment via unconventional methods like gift cards or wire transfers. Recognizing these tactics is the first step in protecting yourself.
How Can I Block Unwanted Calls on My Cell Phone?
Enable Built-In Call Blocking Features:
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iPhone Users: Activate the "Silence Unknown Callers" feature by navigating to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers. This sends calls from numbers not in your contacts directly to voicemail. (consumer.ftc.gov)
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Android Users: Utilize the built-in spam protection by opening the Phone app, tapping the three-dot menu, selecting Settings > Caller ID & spam, and enabling "See caller & spam ID" and "Filter spam calls." (consumer.ftc.gov)
Use Call-Blocking Apps:
Third-party apps can provide additional layers of protection:
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RoboKiller: This app identifies and blocks spam calls, including tax scams, using a database of known scam numbers. (kiplinger.com)
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Hiya and Truecaller: These apps offer similar functionalities, maintaining extensive databases to detect and block unwanted calls. (kiplinger.com)
Carrier-Specific Services:
Many mobile carriers offer free or low-cost services to block scam calls:
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T-Mobile: Offers Scam Shield, which provides Scam ID and Scam Block features to identify and block scam calls. (t-mobile.com)
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AT&T: Provides ActiveArmor, a service that automatically blocks fraud and flags spam calls. (t-mobile.com)
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Verizon: Offers Call Filter, which screens and auto-blocks incoming spam based on risk level. (t-mobile.com)
Does the National Do Not Call Registry Help with Scam Calls?
Registering your number with the National Do Not Call Registry can reduce unsolicited sales calls from legitimate companies. However, it does not block calls from scammers, as they often ignore the registry. Therefore, additional measures are necessary to protect against scam calls. (consumer.ftc.gov)
What Should I Do If I Receive a Suspected Tax Scam Call?
Do Not Engage: Avoid interacting with the caller. Do not press any numbers or provide personal information.
Hang Up Immediately: Terminate the call as soon as you recognize it as a scam.
Report the Call: Inform the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) about the scam call at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This helps authorities track and take action against scammers. (consumer.ftc.gov)
How Can I Educate Myself and Others About Tax Scam Calls?
Stay Informed: Regularly visit official websites like the FTC and IRS to learn about common scam tactics and how to recognize them.
Share Knowledge: Inform friends and family about the risks of tax scam calls and encourage them to take protective measures.
Be Skeptical: Always question unsolicited calls claiming to be from government agencies, especially those demanding immediate payment or personal information.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to tax scam calls. Combining technological tools with informed skepticism provides a robust defense against these fraudulent schemes.
Highlights:
- Tired of Unwanted Calls? Here's How to Help Thwart the Robocaller Invasion, Published on Friday, March 06
