Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Tax Mediation And Assistance Center Scam

Tax mediation/resolution scams involve fraudsters posing as IRS agents or "tax relief" experts, using high-pressure tactics to steal money or sensitive personal information. They often promise to settle large tax debts for pennies on the dollar, demand payment via gift cards or wire transfers, and threaten immediate arrest.

Red Flags

  • Initial Contact: The IRS sends mail first, never initiating contact via phone, text, or social media for urgent issues.
  • Payment Methods: Legitimate agencies never demand payment via prepaid debit cards, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
  • Pressure Tactics: Scammers create a false sense of urgency, claiming warrants for arrest will be issued if you do not pay immediately.
  • Suspicious Promises: Offers to settle all debt without checking your financial background are major red flags.

Report a Scam

  • Report Fraud on the FTC Website: File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
  • TIGTA Website: Report the call to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
  • IRS: Send the caller ID/callback number to phishing@irs.gov with the subject "IRS Phone Scam".
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