As tax season gets underway, Attorney General Josh Shapiro is warning consumers about fraudulent calls and scams from criminals impersonating IRS agents – and telling recipients they need to send money right away or risk arrest by the IRS.

“Scam artists are using new technology and high-pressure tactics to get people to give out personal information. One popular tactic, especially during tax season, is scam artists impersonating the IRS and trying to scare you into paying them thousands of dollars,” Shapiro said. “My Office is here to protect you, help you avoid being scammed, and go after these scammers anywhere we find them.”

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As a taxpayer, it is essential that consumers are aware of this scam and the ways to prevent from becoming a victim of identity theft. If you keep your information secure on your computer, you are less likely to receive a call from a scam artist impersonating an IRS agent.

The Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection received 536 IRS scam complaints in 2018, 15 complaints already in 2019.

Here are some other valuable tips to help protect yourself:

• Use security software that updates automatically. Essential tools for keeping a secure computer include a firewall, virus and malware protection, and file encryption for sensitive data.
• Treat personal information like cash; don’t leave it lying around.
• Give personal information only over encrypted and trusted websites.
• Use strong passwords and protect them.

Consumers who feel that they have been victimized by this scam may file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection by visiting the website, www.attorneygeneral.gov or by calling the office at 1-800-441-2555.

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