Criminals are growing more brazen in their attempts to frighten victims into making unnecessary “tax payments” that actually go to the thieves.

The latest scam alert from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) cautions taxpayers about phone calls being made during which the scammers threaten to “cancel” their target’s Social Security number unless they agree to send money to pay an unpaid tax bill. The IRS does not have the authority to cancel an individual’s Social Security number.

The scammers either threaten their victims directly via a phone call or leave a voice mail in an attempt to force a return call, at which time the threat of cancellation is made.

According to the IRS, “If taxpayers receive a call threatening to suspend their SSN for an unpaid tax bill, they should just hang up. Make no mistake…it’s a scam.” The IRS advises potential victims to hang up the phone.

The IRS also warns taxpayers not to provide sensitive personal or financial information over the phone unless they are certain they know the caller is legitimate.

For tips about how to protect yourself against scammers and cyber criminals, contact our Tax Department at (781) 407-0300.