ScamAwareness.org Launches Public Awareness Campaign Warning Consumers of IRS Imposter Scam

DALLAS, Jan. 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for the 2017 tax season, ScamAwareness.org has launched a new public service campaign warning consumers about an IRS imposter scam that's already cost Americans more $36 million* in losses.

"ScamAwareness.org is committed to educating consumers about common scams and protecting them from becoming victims," says Juan Agualimpia executive director, ScamAwareness.org. "One of the ways we do this is through a series of public service announcements. These ads appear on television stations across the country to help consumers recognize the red flags.  We hope consumers will watch and share this compelling public service announcement with others and that it will help put IRS imposters out of business for good."

The IRS scam begins with phone call from someone claiming to be with the IRS asking for money for an unpaid tax bill. The fraudster cons the victim into sending cash, usually through a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. Sometimes they bully their victims into paying by threatening them with jail time. 

In an effort to make the scheme seem more credible, the scammer may provide a fake badge name and number and may even know a consumer's full or partial social security number.

ScamAwareness.org reminds all consumers that the IRS will not call and ask for a tax bill payment nor will it ask for a specific payment method such as a wire transfer or prepaid debit card.  Consumers who receive a call from a suspected fraudster should report the incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).  

For more information about the IRS imposter scam and others visit ScamAwareness.org.

*TIGTA  

About ScamAwareness.org
ScamAwareness.org was founded by MoneyGram (NASDAQ:MGI) to raise awareness of common scams that target consumers. It provides tips and information that teach people to recognize the "red flags" that may indicate potential scams, and arm them with information that they can use to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Media Contact:
Michelle Buckalew
media@moneygram.com
214-979-1418

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SOURCE ScamAwareness.org