Thousands of U.S. taxpayers have reported calls from IRS impostors this tax season using false caller ID numbers.
Many of the victims of this scam reported their caller ID showed "spoofed" numbers, including the actual phone number for the IRS, the Better Business Bureau warns. In most of these cases, the scammers attempt to steal money from potential victims or steal their identities.
"Technology has provided new options for scammers," said Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau in Chicago and Northern Illinois. "The callers attempt to gain your trust so they can trick you into handing over important financial information by stealing names and phone numbers of companies you're familiar with."
In response to the increase in IRS impostors, the Better Business Bureau provided tips for how to avoid falling victim to spoofing scams:
- Never give out any financial information if you did not initiate the call or haven't verified the caller. This includes bank account, credit card or Social Security information.
- Don't rely on caller ID to verify the identity of the caller.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off about the call, hang up.
- Never give anyone remote access to your computer in case they use it to download malicious Malawi or steal your identity.
