HARRISBURG, PA — AARP Pennsylvania is urging residents aged 50 and older to remain vigilant amid a surge in scams involving criminals impersonating IRS agents. These fraudsters aim to steal personal information and money by exploiting fear with false claims about overdue taxes, audits, or unclaimed refunds.
The scams often begin with unsolicited phone calls, emails, letters, or even doorstep visits. Fraudsters pressure victims to act quickly, demanding payment through untraceable methods such as gift cards or cryptocurrency. “Scammers are becoming increasingly aggressive and creative in impersonating the IRS,” said Mary Bach, AARP Pennsylvania Volunteer and Chair of the Consumer Issues Task Force. “They rely on fear and urgency to push people into acting before verifying if a claim is legitimate.”
According to FBI data, government impersonation scams cost Americans over $394 million in 2023, a 63% jump from 2022. To stay ahead of these schemes, it’s essential to understand that the IRS typically communicates via mail through the U.S. Postal Service and rarely initiates contact through phone calls, emails, or social media. Spontaneous in-person visits are largely a thing of the past and only occur by prearrangement.
Red flags to watch for include demands for immediate payment, threats of legal action or arrest, and requests for unconventional payment methods. “You must pause and verify any IRS-related contact,” said David Kalinoski, AARP Associate State Director. “If you get a suspicious call or message, don’t engage. Instead, hang up, close the door, and contact the IRS directly.”
To protect yourself, follow these tips:
- Ignore unsolicited calls or messages claiming to be from the IRS.
- Never share personal or financial information over the phone or email.
- Report suspicious activity immediately.
- Use the official IRS website, irs.gov, to verify notices and payment options.
By staying informed and cautious, individuals can reduce their risk of falling victim to these scams.
Report scams to local law enforcement. For help, call AARP at 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Pennsylvania Fraud Resource Page: aarp.org/pafraud.
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