IRS scams are on the rise as audit levels continue to fall

As the days and weeks get closer to the federal income tax filing deadline, taxpayers grow more and more anxious to finalize the forms necessary to pay taxes or receive a return. Anxiety for many does not end once forms are submitted. Most wonder if they will overcome the growingly insurmountable odds of being targeted for an audit.

Since 2010, the IRS budget has been cut by 17%. Plagued with understaffing combined with growingly complex tax laws, auditors have shifted their focus on those with high incomes. The likelihood of audits on middle income tax payers is down to one percent, a mere fraction of what it once was.

So, if exhaustive audits are less likely, what can possibly terrify taxpayers now?

Fraud.

In spite of efforts to curb their cons, scam artists continue to strike fear in the hearts of tax filers. Relentless phone calls, texts and online correspondence through email and even social media, these faux IRS officials threaten more than just legal action. With clearly no sense of irony, these criminals ironically threaten police officers knocking down their doors, all in an effort to gain personal information.

Their goal is financial gain, bullying terrorized taxpayers to visit the local WalMart or a store where money transfers are done. They then demand that they purchase a prepaid debit card or gift card for the supposed amount owed and wire them the funds. The tactic is used to avoid leaving a trail leading back to them.

Whether you believe it or not, the IRS wants to travel on that trail and find these criminals. In addition, they want taxpayers to know that debit and gift cards are not the way they handle payments,

Instead of emptying a bank account to pay the so-called debt or even taking matters into your own hands, the powerful government entity wants you to contact them so they can use their influence to scare the scammers and hold them accountable.