VERMONT — The Vermont Attorney General’s Office is warning that hundreds of Vermont consumers have reported receipt of recorded robocalls or live phone calls from persons identifying themselves as IRS agents. The caller threatens legal action if an alleged outstanding debt to the IRS is not paid immediately. The callers then direct the consumer to call a phone number and make immediate payment by credit card or other direct means of payment. This is a scam.
Consumers should immediately hang up if they receive this call. These calls are coming from outside the United States. By using voice-over-internet services, the scammers are able to mask the number they are calling from and can make it appear that they are calling locally or from another state. Do not call the number back and do not engage with the caller.
The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by phone, email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information. This includes requests for PIN numbers, passwords or similar access to information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts.
The IRS website provides information on IRS scams and outlines steps to take if a consumer has lost money in such a scam.
Again, if you receive this call, do not provide any information and do not send any money. Make note of the number, and any statements made by the caller, and file a complaint with the Vermont Attorney General’s Office Consumer Assistance Program. File a complaint online at www.uvm.edu/consumer or contact the Program at 800-649-2424 or write to Consumer Assistance Program, 146 University Place, 103 Morrill Hall, UVM, Burlington, VT 05405.