My wife was getting calls from (202) 754-9756, but they usually wouldn't leave a voice mail.  She finally called the number back and it was "officer joe" with the "IRS" claiming that she owed money from back taxes.  He then tried to convince her that she could either settle it at that point (of course with her credit card) or it would have to be "settled in court".  What tipped her off was when she informed the "officer" that our taxes are filed jointly, and he said that it had to do with only her going back to 2011.  Thankfully she didn't give out any important personal information and refused to "settle the matter".

 

I had some fun with this by repeatedly calling back the number and getting a different "IRS officer" each time (who by the way spoke very poor English and had a heavy accent).  I gave them a few fake names that I can't really post here due to CoC rules, and basically "played with them" for a while until they finally blocked my wife's phone from calling in.

 

The point is and the lesson that I want people to know is.

 

1.  The IRS will NEVER call you regarding a supposed "audit" of your taxes.

 

2.  The IRS will NEVER threaten you with going to court or settling by payment via credit card.

 

3.  Always be suspect if you get a text or a call from a "government agency" from an area code other than an 800 number.

 

4.  If you get a call from a government agency from someone with a heavy accent that you can't quite understand, ask to speak with a supervisor.  If said supervisor also has an accent, it's probably pretty much a scam.

 

These little tidbits are general rules not only dealing with people from supposedly "government offices", but also other places such as your bank/credit union.

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