Unsolicited communication from a "Tax Help and Filing Adjustment Office," "Tax Health and Adjustments," or similarly named entities is almost certainly a scam. These names are designed to sound like official government departments, but agencies with these specific names do not exist.
Online users have reported receiving calls from 888-792-0335 or asked to call the same telephone number. The number is not associated with the IRS or the government, or may have been spoofed, therefore, you should not call it or follow instructions from calls made from the same number.
About the Scam
- Government Impersonation: Scammers use official-sounding names (like "Tax Resolution Oversight Department") to create a false sense of authority.
- Fabricated Urgency: They often leave robotic or AI-generated voicemails claiming your file has been "flagged" and that you must act immediately to avoid penalties or legal action.
- Vague Claims: Messages are generic and do not include your name or specific tax details because they are sent to thousands of people at once.
- Advance Fees: The goal is typically to lure you into paying an "up-front fee" for relief services that are never provided.
Red Flags
- Unsolicited Calls or Texts: The IRS and legitimate tax agencies initiate contact via postal mail, not by phone, email, or text message.
- Specific Payment Methods: A major warning sign is a demand for payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or prepaid gift cards.
- Threats: Legitimate agencies will not threaten you with immediate arrest, deportation, or driver's license revocation over the phone.
Protect Yourself
- Hang Up and Block: Do not engage with the caller or press any numbers to "be removed," as this confirms your line is active.
- Verify Independently: If you think you might actually owe taxes, call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 or use the official IRS website to check your account status.
- Report the Incident: Report scam attempts to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).