ABC-7 Listens 05.08.16

tips to avoid being a victim in this abc-7 listens. it’s a trend i wish would end. right about this time each year we start to get emails like this one from wilette. morning. i did not answer it, but it was from dallas. “this is basically what it said: ‘this is final notice from the irs. the irs is filing suit against you.’ then there was a number to call. “i wonder how many other people are receiving this call?” apparentl a lot. because many of us you sent us emails and called to warn warn us about the scams. dyana said she got a robo-call and when she returned the call the man had her name and address and even passed along what he called his i-r-s badge number. “he stated owed $2,400.00 and … they have filed a lawsuit, they were going to seize my property, driver’s license and my bank accounts. “he the proceeded to say i had 2 options, to either go to court or settle now. i told him to send me the lawsuit and i would call my lawyer. “he was aggressive, avoided questions, tried to intimidate me on the phone.” th good news is the word appears to be getting out and our viewers have told us they didn’t fall for the scam and are more concerned with others possibly falling prey. donna writes … “i always thin of my parents, may they rest in peace, and they would totally fall for this. i think the elderly are at a big risk.” the i-r-s makes it ver clear … don’t ever give out personal information over the phone and that i-r-s agents will never: – call to demand immediate payment, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill. – demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe. – require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card. – ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone. ultimately when in doubt … hangup and call the i-r-s directly. we have that number, other tips and ways to notify the i-r-s about a potential scam … under links mentioned at k-v-i-a dot com. rick cabrera. abc-7 listens.