A number of Arkansans have reported recently reported to the Arkansas Attorney General's Leslie Rutledge's office phone calls from purported Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents demanding the consumer pay back taxes immediately to avoid being arrested.
According to Rutledge, these con artists sometimes alter the display of your caller ID to make the call seem more legitimate. Beware as these calls can sound authentic and convincing.
Remember that no government entity, including the IRS, will ask for for personal financial information through an unsolicited phone call or email.
The IRS will not:
Contact you regarding payment or taxes without having mailed a letter.
Demand payment without allowing opportunity for question or appeal.
Require a specific payment method, such as a prepaid debit card or wire transfer.
Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
Threaten to contact local police or other law enforcement to have you arrested.
