According to the AARP organization, Fifty-six people have been charged with impersonating Internal Revenue authorities and coercing thousands of victims into paying approximately $300 million dollars over the telephone either by a wire transfer or with a prepaid debit card. Someone claiming to be an Internal Revenue agent tells the victim that they have a outstanding bill with the IRS and will be fined or sued if they don't pay immediately. At least 15,000 people were victimized, federal officials said. The indictment listed five call centers in the U.S. and India as sources of the scam including several places in Mumbai, India which were raided by the Police.
Here's what people should know to protect themselves.
* The IRS routinely sends all notices of payment due by mail.
* The agency does not initiate phone calls demanding immediate payment by credit card or wire.
* If you are called and are concerned that you might actually owe money, hang up and contact the IRS directly at 800-829-1040.
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