Full Notification

As we all prepare for tax time, the Burbank Police Department would like to remind our community about scammers claiming to be from the IRS demanding money from you.

Common phone, text message & email scams:

• Individuals aggressively target taxpayers and may use threats of arrest or seizure of your property and assets. Some calls have even threatened a “lawsuit” against the taxpayer.
• Perpetrators will claim to be employees of the I.R.S., but they are not.
• They may use false names and fake I.R.S. ID or badge numbers to deceive you, and might mask or “spoof” their phone number, making the call appear authentic.
• Victims are often told they owe money to the I.R.S., which must be paid immediately through a prepaid debit card, gift card, or wire transfer.
• Victims might even be told they have a refund due in order to persuade them into providing personal and/or financial account information.

Remember, the I.R.S. will NEVER:

• Call you by phone and demand immediate payment. You will always receive an official written correspondence from the I.R.S.
• Have you utilize a prepaid debit card, gift card, or wire transfer for payment.
• Ask you for a debit or credit card number, or any other personal or financial information over the phone.
• Threaten you with incarceration or other law enforcement action.

If you receive these calls, text messages or emails, do not respond and call the I.R.S. directly at 800-829-1040. If you have fallen victim to one of these scams, go to www.tigta.gov and fill out the “IRS Impersonation Scam” form. You should also report the incoming phone number on the Federal Trade Commission “Do Not Call” registry complaint website: complaints.donotcall.gov

For more information, visit: https://www.irs.gov/uac/tax-scams-consumer-alerts.