Fake IRS calls are hitting Wisconsin residents hard this week, and everyone is asked to be on guard against these threatening scam attempts.  If you receive one of these calls, hang up immediately.

The Consumer Protection Hotline at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has seen a spike in inquiries about this scam this week.  Consumers statewide are reporting aggressive calls from scammers claiming to be with the IRS, demanding immediate payment for (fake) back taxes.  The callers typically threaten the potential victims with legal action or jail time.

In the latest round of IRS impostor calls, the scammers have added iTunes gift cards as a way to pay.  According to the Federal Trade Commission, other payment methods scammers might ask for include Amazon gift cards; PayPal; reloadable cards like MoneyPak, Reloadit, or Vanilla; or by wiring money through services like Western Union or MoneyGram.

Do not fall for this scam, and tell your friends, coworkers and family members to be on alert.

Remember that the IRS will never call you demanding immediate payment or making threats.  If there is an actual issue with your taxes, the IRS will contact you by postal mail – not by phone or email.

If you question the legitimacy of a communication from a governmental agency, contact DATCP’s Consumer Protection Hotline (800-422-7128) or call the misrepresented agency directly to inquire.

For additional information or to file a complaint, visit the Consumer Protection Bureau at http://datcp.wisconsin.gov, send an e-mail to datcphotline@wisconsin.gov or call the Consumer Protection Hotline.

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