If You Get a Threatening Call from Someone Claiming to be the IRS, the Real IRS Says, 'Hang Up'

WISCONSIN — The Internal Revenue Service is advising Wisconsin residents to hang up if they receive any threatening call about back taxes.

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue is reporting that taxpayers in Wisconsin have received calls over the past couple of weeks that have "spoofed" the phone number for the department's Milwaukee office on caller ID displays. These are scammers calling, there is no legitimacy to their claims, and they do not represent DOR despite the caller ID information.

In this nationwide scam, callers are threatened by imposter IRS agents who claim they owe back taxes and demand immediate payment over the phone.

"The Wisconsin Department of Revenue will not call or email you regarding your tax return," said DOR Secretary Richard Chandler. "Any phone call or email from someone claiming to be the DOR should be an immediate red flag. Do not give these fraudsters any information."

Officials advise you to hang up on any aggressive or threatening call about back taxes.

Remember:

• Both the IRS and Wisconsin DOR contact taxpayers about their accounts by mail.
• Neither agency will call you, make threats about your tax liability and demand immediate payment.
• Neither agency will request that you pay your taxes using iTunes or Amazon gift cards, wire transfers, PayPal, prepaid debit cards or reloadable MoneyPak cards.

If you ever question the authenticity of a letter, phone call or email you receive that claims to be from a government agency, contact that agency directly to inquire. Contact the agency using a phone number or email address that you know to be accurate – NOT the contact information provided by the questionable party.

For additional information, visit the Consumer Protection Bureau at http://datcp.wisconsin.gov, send an e-mail to datcphotline@wisconsin.gov or call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-422-7128.

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