Back Taxes Scam Call 2024: How To Protect Yourself From These Scam Calls!

Have you received a suspicious call saying you still owe some Back Taxes? So many people have complained of receiving calls telling them they still owe black taxes and also offering solutions. This post would explain in details everything you need to know about these Back Taxes Scam Call and what to do to protect yourself.

What Is The Back Taxes Scam Call?

The Back Taxes Scam Call is a fraudulent phone call where scammers pretend to be representatives from the IRS or other tax authorities. They claim that you owe back taxes and must pay immediately to avoid severe consequences, such as arrest, deportation, or the revocation of your driver’s license.

Here are some characteristics of this Back Taxes Scam Call

Social Security scams come in various forms, targeting individuals with the aim of stealing their personal information, money, or both. Here are some common types of Social Security scams:

• Immediate Payment Demands: They demand payment through unconventional methods such as gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
• Spoofed Caller ID: The caller ID may show a local number or even the official number of the IRS to make the call appear legitimate.
• Request for Personal Information: They might ask for sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number, to “verify” your identity.

How to Protect Yourself From Scams Like The Black Taxes Scam Call

1. Know the IRS Procedures: This is very important. The IRS will never call you to demand immediate payment without first sending a bill through the mail. They will also not threaten you with arrest or other severe penalties.
2. Verify the Caller: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the IRS directly using the official phone numbers on their website.
3. Do Not Share Personal Information: Never give out personal or financial information over the phone unless you are certain of the caller’s identity.
4. Report the Call: Report any scam calls to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Avoiding phishing scams requires vigilance and awareness. Here are some effective ways to protect yourself from phishing attacks:

Tips to Avoid Phishing Scams:

1. Be Skeptical of Unexpected Communications:
   • Be cautious with unsolicited emails, texts, or calls, especially those asking for personal or financial information.
2. Verify the Source:
   • Always verify the sender’s email address or phone number. Scammers often use addresses or numbers that look similar to legitimate ones.
3. Look for Red Flags:
   • Check for spelling and grammatical errors, generic greetings (e.g., “Dear Customer”), and urgent or threatening language.
4. Don’t Click on Suspicious Links:
   • Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking. If it looks suspicious or doesn’t match the purported sender, don’t click it.
5. Check the Website’s Security:
   • When entering personal information online, ensure the website is secure. Look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar.
6. Avoid Downloading Attachments:
   • Don’t open email attachments from unknown or suspicious sources. These could contain malware.
7. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
   • Enable factor Authentication on your accounts so as to add an extra layer of security. This makes it harder for scammers to gain access even if they have your password.
8. Report Phishing Attempts:
   • Report suspicious emails to your email provider and the organization being impersonated. In the U.S., you can forward phishing emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at [email protected] and to the FTC at [email protected].

What Do You Do When You Suspect A Phishing Attempt

In this digital age and time, almost everyone has at one time received a phishing text or email and often times they fall victim and get scammed. This is why it is imperative that you are always careful when you receive any text or email because one careless click on a link can cause a whole lot of problems for you. Now if you suspect a phishing attempt, here is what I advise you do:

• Do Not Respond to the text, because you responding is actually giving access to the scammers, simply delete it when you receive.
• Quickly change your password if you have mistakenly clicked on the link or given away your login details. Change your password to a strong and unique password.
• Keep an eye on your accounts for any unauthorized transactions.
• Also scan you devices for any malware.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to phishing scams and keep your personal and financial information safe. You can also join online forums to discuss these types of scams, like this Reddit threat where other people who have received this suspicious calls are talking about it.

Conclusion

This internet age came with so many advantages and also disadvantages. Phishing is an example of one of such. Internet users should always apply caution and be wary. Scammers often use scare tactics or urgency to manipulate individuals into taking quick actions. It’s essential to stay vigilant and take precautions to protect your personal information and finances from such scams.