Every day, countless Americans receive unsolicited phone calls claiming they owe money to the IRS or other tax agencies. These calls often sound official, urgent, and, unfortunately, convincing. But are they legitimate?
Consumer investigator Dale Cardwell recently turned the tables on one of these callers, exposing the deceptive tactics scammers use to trick people into handing over their personal information and money. His experience serves as a critical warning for anyone who has ever received a suspicious call about back taxes.
The Call That Set Off Alarm Bells
Imagine checking your voicemail and hearing a message like this:
“Hey, it’s Bill calling about your past filings. We show you may be one of the people that still has some past taxes due, and our company helps you get enrolled in the new zero-tax program. Give us a ring back, and we can help you get set up. It won’t take too long, and it’s a one-and-done setup.”
For many, such a message would cause immediate concern. The fear of owing back taxes—especially with potential penalties and interest—is enough to prompt a callback. But Dale decided to take a different approach: he called back, not to pay, but to investigate.
Exposing the Scam in Real-Time
From the very first seconds of the conversation, it became clear that this so-called “Tax Group” had no real information about him.
“What's your first and last name?” the representative asked.
Dale pushed back. “Okay, I'm confused. You guys called me and said that you thought you could help me. Do you not have any information about who I am? Was this a cold solicitation?”
The response? “I do not have any information on you, sir. I'm here to pre-qualify anybody that calls.”
That answer revealed everything. The company had no idea who they were calling, proving that this was not a legitimate tax collection agency but rather a high-volume scam operation fishing for victims.
How Do Scammers Get Your Number?
When Dale pressed further, the caller admitted that they reach out to delinquent taxpayers... and anybody that might have a tax debt. In reality, these scammers don’t have access to IRS records. Instead, they purchase lists of phone numbers from shady marketing firms, using broad scare tactics to find people who might be vulnerable to their scheme. They rely on the fear of government action to pressure people into making hasty decisions.
If a number isn’t familiar, let it go to voicemail. (iStock)
How to Protect Yourself from Unsolicited Tax Scams
So, what should you do if you get a call like this? Here’s the best approach:
- Don’t answer unknown numbers. If a number isn’t familiar, let it go to voicemail. Scammers often use spoofed numbers, making it appear as though they’re calling from a local area code or even an official government agency.
- Ignore voicemail threats. If the caller claims you owe money, don’t call back. The IRS and other tax authorities never demand payment over the phone. Legitimate tax issues will always be communicated in writing first.
- Verify through official channels. If you’re concerned about possible tax debt, contact the IRS directly at irs.gov or call their official number. Never trust a number provided by a random caller.
- Report the scam. If you receive a suspicious call, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to the IRS’s fraud division.
The Bottom Line: Stay Skeptical, Stay Safe
Scammers are getting more sophisticated, but one thing remains true: real financial institutions, tax agencies, and creditors will never demand immediate action over the phone without prior written communication.
Dale’s experience is a reminder to always question unsolicited calls, no matter how convincing they sound. The next time you get an unexpected call about taxes, debt, or any financial issue—hang up, verify independently, and protect yourself from fraud.
