Tax Filing Mediation Office Scam - How to Protect Yourself

The robo-calls are automated phishing campaigns designed to steal your money, credit information, or Social Security number.

How the Scam Works

• The "Urgent" Voicemail: You receive a generic, pre-recorded message from a fake representative (common names used in scripts include "Kayla", "George", or "Amy Parker") claiming they are reviewing your tax file.
• The Hook: They state that your file has "unresolved flagged issues" or missed returns from recent deadlines that will trigger severe penalties if left open.
• The False Promise: They claim you "pre-qualify" for special federal economic relief programs, penalty waivers, or full debt elimination—but warn that these options are expiring immediately.
• The Real Goal: If you call back, they will aggressively demand upfront "settlement fees" or ask for sensitive financial and identity details to "verify" your account.

Why You Can Tell It's Fake

1. The IRS Initiates Contact via Mail Only: Genuine tax authorities will always send you multiple official letters through physical U.S. mail before ever trying to call you.
2. They Don't Know Your Situation: These scammers blast out thousands of automated messages a day. They do not actually have access to your private tax records.
3. Overly Simplified Qualifications: Real tax relief or settlement programs (like an official IRS Offer in Compromise) require deep, lengthy checks of your background, income, and assets. They cannot pre-qualify you in a two-minute automated call.

What You Should Do Next

• Do NOT call back or push buttons: Pressing numbers to "opt out" or call back simply alerts the scammers that your phone line is active, resulting in even more spam calls.
• Block the number: Block the incoming contact on your device. Keep in mind they frequently spoof different phone numbers.
• Report the fraud: You can submit details about the scam recording directly to the FTC Fraud Report Platform.
• Check your actual status safely: If you are genuinely worried that you might owe back taxes, look up the official phone number for the Internal Revenue Service (or your local state tax agency) and contact them directly. Never use the number left in a random voicemail