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

Tax Conflict Mediation Office Scam - Protect Yourself

Tax Conflict Mediation Office Scam - Protect Yourself

Calls, emails, or texts claiming to be from a "Tax Conflict Mediation Office," "Tax Resolution Department," or similar, are fraudulent scams. These scammers pose as government officials to steal personal information or demand immediate payment for non-existent tax debts.

Protect Yourself

  • The IRS does not initiate contact via phone or text. They send mail.
  • Do not trust the name. They use generic, official-sounding names like "Tax Mediation and Resolution Agency".
  • Hang up immediately. Do not engage, verify, or call them back.
  • Do not pay with gift cards. Scammers often request payment in gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers.

How the Scam Works

  1. Fear Tactics: Callers claim you owe back taxes and threaten immediate arrest or seizure of assets if you do not pay.
  2. Spoofing: The phone number might appear to be from a local area code or Washington D.C..
  3. Artificial Intelligence: Recent scams use AI to sound more realistic and personalized.
  4. The Goal: To get your Social Security Number, bank details, or money upfront.

Received a Call?

  • Report the Scam: Contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 1-800-366-4484 or through their online reporting form.
  • Report to FTC: File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
  • Verify Genuine Issues: If you suspect you truly owe taxes, call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040.

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