Scam Alert: Department warns of over-the-phone caller ID spoofing scams

The Minnesota Department of Revenue is warning taxpayers of a recent over-the-phone caller ID spoofing scam. Taxpayers should beware of phone calls from scammers claiming to be from the IRS or the department who demand immediate payment of tax debts.  In some cases, the scammers use caller ID spoofing where the phone numbers they call from are made to look like they are coming from the IRS or the department. 

According to the FCC, caller ID "spoofing" occurs when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. Spoofing is often used as part of an attempt to trick someone into giving away valuable personal information so it can be used for illegal activity, such as filing for a fraudulent tax refund.

When contacting you the department will not:

• Demand immediate payment without first mailing a letter. 
• Demand that you pay taxes and not allow you to question or appeal the amount you owe.
  
• Require that you pay your taxes a certain way. For instance, require that you pay with a prepaid debit card.
• Threaten to call the police or other law enforcement agencies to arrest you for not paying.

Use caution and NEVER provide personal information unless you are absolutely sure the situation is legitimate.

More information about these types of scams can be found on the IRS website. 

Learn more about fraud and tax scams and how to report suspicious calls or messages you may have received by visiting our website. 

For more emails like this, please sign up for our email subscription service and select “scam and fraud alert updates.”