If you get a call from someone claiming to be with the IRS, Medicare or Social Security, you may want to think twice before you answer questions or provide personal information.
Unfortunately, scammers have gotten good at convincing people that there is a problem and that immediate action is needed. Some of the scare tactics include benefits being suspended unless you provide personal information and threats that you will be arrested if you do not pay a fee or taxes with a prepaid debit card such as an I-Tunes card. They might also spoof your caller ID to look like the call is coming from Social Security, IRS or another government agency.
Keep in mind, unless you have requested a phone call from one of these agencies, they will not call you. If you get a call and are not sure if the call is legitimate, do not provide or confirm any personal information, nor provide any payment until you can check out things with a number that you know is legitimate. Do not trust the phone number that you are provided by a potential scammer. Check with reliable sources to obtain the correct phone number.
If you suspect a scam, report it to the state and federal consumer organizations such as theFederal Trade Commission.
Your information will help others from being scammed in the future.
