We were always advised that, if you "get a call from the IRS", it's a scam.
Well, there's a new wrinkle. The IRS has recently contracted-out its debt collections to private contractors, who may be at liberty to contact tax deadbeats by telephone.
Scammers are well aware, and may soon start to exploit. DA readers, I am sure, pay their taxes timely and properly. But DA readers should still be wary of any phone call from anyone purporting to be working "with" the IRS, or working "for" the IRS. If you receive such a call, ask that all further communications be in writing, with a clear indication of the relationship of the author to the IRS, and the grounds for the communication. Demand that no further telephonic contact be initiated. Ask for the name, company, and contact information of the caller.
A particular "red flag" is any such call which purports to be able to "clear up" your problem by an immediate payment via paypal or credit card.
