Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.
Tax Abatement and Relief Office Scam

Calls from the "Tax Abatement and Relief Office" or similar entities (e.g., "Tax Resolution Team") promising to erase tax debt are scams. These scammers use robocalls to demand personal information or fees for fake, pre-qualified tax relief programs. The IRS does not initiate contact via phone calls, email, or social media to request immediate payment.

Red Flags

  • Fabricated Entities: Agencies like the "Tax Relief and Release Office" do not exist.
  • Urgency & Threats: Scammers create a false sense of urgency, threatening arrests or heavy fines.
  • Upfront Fees: Fraudsters ask for thousands of dollars for services like "Offer in Compromise" that they never file, or that you can do yourself for free.
  • Spoofed Numbers: Calls often appear to come from DC or official-looking numbers, but are usually from overseas scammers.

Protect Yourself

  • Hang Up Immediately: Do not engage, verify, or call back.
  • Never Give Info: Do not share bank details, credit cards, or Social Security numbers.
  • Verify Independently: If worried about taxes, contact the IRS directly via IRS.gov.
  • Report the Scam: Report calls to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) or call 1-800-366-4484. You can also report phishing to phishing@irs.gov.
waiting