Impostor scams, a caution by Better Business Bureau
Scams where impostors pretending to be from the Internal Revenue Service or the Canada Revenue Agency are common on both sides of the US-Canada border. Another prevalent impostor scam involves individuals posing as representatives from utility companies threatening to disconnect services like power or water.
The Better Business Bureau deals with complaints about impostor scams regularly. These scams usually exhibit warning signs such as threats and high-pressure tactics to rush you into making payments. They often demand unusual payment methods as well.
These scams often start with a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS or your utility provider. These scammers employ fear tactics, trying to make you believe that legal consequences are imminent. Some may even threaten legal action through voicemails if you fail to respond promptly. It’s essential to remember that authentic communication from the IRS will usually be through mail, not phone calls. Similarly, utility companies generally send multiple notices for outstanding payments before taking any severe action.
To protect yourself from falling victim to these scams, avoid engaging with these impostors more than necessary. If you receive an unexpected call from someone claiming to be the IRS or a utility provider demanding immediate action, it’s best to disconnect the call without providing any personal information, especially sensitive details like debit card information or social security numbers. If you encounter such scams, you can report them to the Federal Trade Commission or the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. If you have doubts about your tax status and need to contact the IRS, consider dialing them directly at 1-800-829-1040.
