IRS Scammers Targeting Students, Better Business Bureau Warns

Con artists are calling students and demanding they wire money to pay a "federal student tax," according to the BBB

There are plenty of things to worry about as the new school year begins, from textbooks to teachers and everything in between. But now students and parents have one more thing to watch out for as the Better Business Bureau warns of a new scam on the rise. 

IRS imposters are calling students to demand they wire money immediately to pay a fake "federal student tax" that doesn't exist, according to a release from the BBB Serving Chicago & Northern Illinois. 

"The callers can be very aggressive and threatening and that can be especially frightening to a student living away from home for the first time," BBB president and CEO Steve Bernas said.

According to the BBB, callers generally present information during the call that makes the request seem more legitimate, like the name of the student's school. On occasion, if the student hangs up on the caller, they may call back with spoofed caller-ID information showing that 911 or the government is calling.

"IRS scammers seem to be the most opportunistic thieves seizing on situations, and times of the year, where their victims may already be stressed and more vulnerable," Bernas added. 

The IRS will never call to demand immediate payment over the phone, or call about taxes owed without first having mailed a bill, according to the BBB. The IRS will also never immediately threaten to bring in law enforcement, ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone, or require a specific payment method.

Anyone who receives one of these calls is advised to hang up immediately and report it to the Federal Trade Commission through the "File a Consumer Complaint" section on FTC.gov as well as the BBB Scam Tracker.

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