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

American Tax Assistance Office a Scam Calls and Voicemails
American Tax Assistance Office a Scam Calls and Voicemails

An unsolicited call, text, or email from an "American Tax Assistance Office," "Tax Resolution Team," or similarly named agency claiming you owe back taxes is a scam. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) never initiates contact via phone calls, text messages, or social media, and always contacts taxpayers by official U.S. mail first.

How the Scam Works

  • Fake Names: Scammers use official-sounding names like "Tax Resolution Oversight Department" or "Tax Mediation and Resolution Agency".
  • False Urgency: They claim you owe immediate back taxes and threaten arrest, legal action, or steep penalties to induce panic.
  • Remote Access: Fraudsters may trick you into granting remote access to your computer or buying fake tax software.
  • Data Theft: They aim to steal your Social Security number, banking details, or credit card payments.

What to Do

  • Hang up immediately: Do not engage, press numbers, or call them back.
  • Never share data: Do not give out personal details, passwords, or credit card information over the phone.
  • Block the number: Report the number to your phone carrier and block it.
  • Report the fraud: File a complaint with the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) or check official guidelines on IRS.
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