Question: We’ve been getting so many phone calls saying that the IRS has filed a lawsuit against us. We know this is a scam because we already filed our taxes and got our refund back. But it’s very annoying, and I worry about people who don’t speak English well, or seniors, or anyone who might be intimidated. Could you publicize this scam? I want people to stay safe and just hang up.
Answer: Kokua Line has previously warned about the widespread IRS impersonation scam, but a reminder seems in order as we’ve received a flurry of queries in the past two days from readers who are being harassed by phony tax collectors calling in the middle of the night.
Hawaii’s Better Business Bureau also has reported a spike in complaints about IRS impostors who steal victims’ money by intimidating them with threats of arrest, lawsuits, fines or deportation so that they’ll pay quickly via bank transfers, prepaid credit cards or other irreversible methods. Con artists even have demanded payment on iTunes gift cards, according to federal authorities.
Some scammers use fake IRS titles and badge numbers, and alter caller-ID numbers so it looks like the IRS or another government agency is calling. Some mention the intended mark’s name, address or other personal information. When the call comes in the middle of the night, the potential victims might be more vulnerable because they are less alert, having been roused from a deep sleep, as were the Kokua Line readers.
Federal authorities say that anyone who gets a call purportedly from the IRS that demands immediate payment should:
>> Hang up. Do not engage the caller, lest you be tricked into giving valuable information. If you receive a voice message, do not return the call.
>> Report the scam to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration via an online form or by phone, fax or regular mail. Online form: 808ne.ws/1L0awAa. Phone: 800-366-4484. Fax: 202-927-7018. Mail: TIGTA, P.O. Box 589, Ben Franklin Station, Washington, DC 20044-0589. You can read more at tigta.gov.
>> Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission via the online “FTC Complaint Assistant” at 808ne.ws/1WB3atE. Mention “IRS telephone scam” in the notes.
>> If you know that you owe taxes, or think you might, call the IRS at 800-829-1040.
The IRS emphasizes that it will never:
>> Call to demand immediate payment, nor will it call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill.
>> Demand that you pay taxes without letting you question or appeal the amount.
>> Require that you pay your debt a specific way, such as with a prepaid card.
>> Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
>> Threaten to have you arrested by local police or other law enforcement.
The frustration of readers being bothered at all hours by these scam calls is palpable. The robocalls are generated by computer programs that circumvent the usual “unlisted” or “do not call” conventions, with the con artist ready to speak if a randomly generated call is answered. That’s why the safest response is no response: Hang up as soon as you realize there’s a thief on the line.
Q: Is it true schools will have free lunch for everyone?
A: Only at certain Hawaii public schools, which you can find a list of at 808ne.ws/1OEw3C3. The federal program offering free meals for all students is being expanded from seven schools to 30 this coming school year. Free meals are available at other public schools as well, but only to students whose families fall below income limits. There’s no such thing as a truly free lunch, of course; federal and state taxpayers subsidize the cost of fueling students for learning.
Mahalo
Recently, my car stalled on the H-1 freeway during morning rush-hour traffic. I managed to ease the car to the far left, called for a tow truck and waited, hoping not to be rear-ended. Traffic began to speed up and I became more anxious. I checked the rearview mirror and my miracle happened! Parked directly behind me was a Freeway Service Patrol truck. Keoki moved my car, assured me all was well and waited with me until Bruce from O’Sung Towing brought me to a service station. Huge mahalo for this emergency roadside assistance. So greatly appreciated. — A reader
Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
