HOUSTON – It's that time of year: Time to get all your documents ready as you prepare to file your taxes.
As soon as you send that information, you may get a call you're not expecting.
One of the biggest scams of recent times has been random phone calls from people claiming to be from the IRS and threatening to come pick you up and throw you in jail if you don't pay them thousands of dollars immediately.
But now there's a twist, and it could cause confusion for consumers. Blame legislation making it easier for third-party collectors, or those posing as collectors to get your money.
Congress passed a law that will authorize the IRS to use third-party debt collection agencies to collect tax debt.
Tax preparers worry it will invite all kinds of fraud and phishing, but you can take control. If you get a call from one of the third-party collection agencies, or from someone you think may be trying to pull a fast one, here’s what you should do:
- Ask that the file be transferred back to the IRS and not be handled by the debt collection agency.
- Never give our your personal info on the phone.
- If you have suspicions about who is calling you, ask for their information and call the IRS directly if you feel the person calling you isn't legitimate.
Click here for a list of the most common tax scams targeting consumers and how to report a suspicious call or email.