American Tax Advisors Scam - How to Protect Yourself

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) and law enforcement have issued urgent alerts regarding fraudsters who impersonate real companies or invent fake federal departments—like the "Tax Resolution Oversight Department"—to scare you into giving up sensitive financial information or making immediate, fraudulent payments.

Recognize the Warning Signs

• Aggressive robotic voicemails: Fraudsters leave urgent messages claiming your file was "flagged for manual review" due to missing returns.
• High-pressure tactics: They create artificial urgency by claiming this is their "only attempt" to reach you before legal action.
• Demands for sensitive data: They immediately ask for your Social Security number, birth date, or banking details to perform a "red flag check".
• Upfront payment requests: They promise fake "IRS liability reduction programs" but demand high processing fees upfront.
• Nontraditional payment methods: They demand payment through wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.

Protect Your Information and Finances

1. Hang up immediately: Do not speak to the caller or reply to the text message.
2. Never call back: Avoid calling numbers left in voicemails, as scammers use spoofed numbers to track active leads.
3. Check your official transcript: Create a secure account on IRS.gov to review your real tax balance and account transcripts directly.
4. Know IRS contact rules: The IRS will always contact you via postal mail first before ever calling you on the phone.

Take Action and Report the Fraud

• Report identity theft: If you shared sensitive information, lock down your credit profile immediately at IdentityTheft.gov.
• File an official scam report: Submit the caller's details to the TIGTA Fraud Reporting Form or call their hotline at 1-800-366-4484.