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

Expedited Tax Mediation Office Scam Calls and Voicemails
Expedited Tax Mediation Office Scam Calls and Voicemails

Calls or voicemails from an "Expedited Tax Mediation Office," "Agency for Mediation and Tax Relief," or "Tax Mediation and Resolution Agency" are a known phone scam. Scammers are spoofing phone numbers and using automated robocalls to target individuals, falsely claiming they have an "active tax file" or owe back taxes that will trigger immediate penalties.

How the Scam Works

  • The Hook: A robotic or high-pressure live caller claims to be from a government-sounding entity like the "Tax Resolution Oversight Department".
  • The Urgency: They insist that "this is our final attempt to reach you" or that you must act before your relief options expire.
  • The False Promise: They pre-qualify you for fake government initiatives like an "IRS liability reduction program" to wipe out what you owe.
  • The Trap: They ask for your Social Security number to verify your identity or demand thousands of dollars in upfront fees to settle the debt.

Red Flags to Look Out For

  • Unsolicited Cold Calls: The real Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will always first notify you of tax issues through official mail, never via an unexpected phone call or text message.
  • Vague, Automated Scripts: Voicemails usually say things like "Hi, this is Kayla reviewing your tax file" without actually addressing you by your legal name.
  • No Financial Background Check: Real IRS programs like an Offer in Compromise require strict evaluation of your income and assets. Scammers guarantee relief without knowing your financial details.
  • Demands for Immediate Payment: The IRS never demands immediate payment over the phone using specific methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

What You Should Do

  1. Hang Up Immediately: Do not reply, press any numbers to "opt-out," or use the call-back number provided in the voicemail.
  2. Do Not Share Info: Never give out your Social Security number, bank routing numbers, or credit card details.
  3. Check Your Real Status: If you think you might actually owe taxes, log into your official account on the IRS Portal or call their verified customer service line directly.
  4. Report the Scammers: File a report with the Federal Trade Commission or log the scam with the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).

(Note: While the IRS does offer a real Fast Track Settlement and Mediation program to quickly resolve legitimate audit disputes, it is a voluntary process you must apply for yourself; the IRS will never cold-call you to enroll you in it).

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