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IRS Warns of Rising Scams Targeting Seniors
IRS Commissioner Calls for Collaboration Against Deceptive Practices
According to khon2, the IRS has warned about increasing scams targeting seniors where fraudsters impersonate government agencies like the IRS to steal personal information and money. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel emphasized the need for collaboration with other federal agencies and tax groups to better protect seniors from these scams.
These scammers use tricks to seem trustworthy such as changing caller IDs to look legitimate and pretending to be from well-known organizations. They often create a false sense of urgency by claiming there are problems or offering fake rewards to pressure victims into acting quickly. Common scams include false claims of unpaid debts, overdue taxes, or fake lottery winnings and they usually demand quick payments through methods like cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards. The IRS reminds everyone that they usually contact people through regular mail and never ask for immediate payments or sensitive information over the phone.
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1 in 5 Seniors Scammed by IRS Impersonators: IRS Warns of Increasing Threats and Urges Vigilance and Verification-Elder Awareness! (PHOTO: The Times Weekly)
IRS Advocates Vigilance and Direct Verification
To combat scams targeting seniors the IRS urges caution and verification of suspicious messages by contacting them directly. They recommend reporting scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration via a form or hotline. The IRS and other agencies are raising awareness and providing resources to help seniors spot and avoid scams. The National Elder Fraud Hotline offers support for affected individuals from Monday to Friday.
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