Did You Get an IRS Scam Calls from Area Code 202
IRS Scam Calls Area Code 202
Beware of IRS Scam Calls from 202 Area Code Washington DC on Caller ID
Thieves often initiate IRS scam call from area code 202 because victims may be tricked by the DC area code. Fraudsters use a variety IRS scam tactics to steal money and sensitive data from people. The prime season for IRS scam calls is from the beginning of each calendar year until income tax season wraps up in mid-April. But IRS scams occur all year long. Each year, scammers refine their tactics so they can get past spam filters, spam call blockers, and antivirus apps that help block their money stealing schemes.
Scammers who call potential victims may claim they are from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and cite a false name and/or employee badge number to help their believability. With an IRS scam call from area code 202, the scammer may instruct the victim to call back using the same Washington, DC area code (202) phone number shown on Caller ID to “prove” the call is authentic. If they send follow up phishing emails, they may even use the IRS logo to make their IRS scams appear more convincing.
There are a variety of IRS scams that circulate each year. Some are new, but many have been used before and are variations of previous year’s tax scams. The IRS publishes a yearly running list of common scams, known as the IRS Dirty Dozen.
Common IRS scams Include
- Phishing emails
- Phone Scams including the IRS scam call from area code 202
- Return Preparer Fraud
- Inflated Refund Claims
- Fake Charities
The stories used to coerce taxpayers out of their money can change too. IRS scammers may email or call to scare people into thinking they owe money to the IRS for back taxes. The scammer may then threaten to report them to the police if the they don’t pay immediately. Scammers often try to collect money over the phone using further scare tactics and demand payment right away. The IRS never takes payment over the phone.
In another scenario, the scammer may inform a victim they are owed a refund. The victim may be asked for bank account information to send a direct deposit payment. Personal information may be requested over the phone or in an email and include birthdate, government ID, bank account numbers, address, or other sensitive information.
When a victim questions the identity of the fake IRS agent or the validity of the demand for payment, the scammer may instruct the person to call them back or look for a supposed official email from the IRS. If the victim chooses to call the fake IRS agent back, the scammer may tell them to call back using the number shown on Caller ID. The phone number on Caller ID may be an IRS scam call number from area code 202 (Washington DC) or any area code. Hackers can alter Caller ID technology to make the calling phone number appear to come from any area code they choose.
Regardless of the delivery tactic and story, the goal is to commit identity theft or steal money and from taxpayers.
Will the IRS Ever Contact You by Telephone?
Taxpayers should be especially wary of IRS scam calls from area code 202 or any other phone call from someone who claims to be from the IRS.
The IRS only contacts you by telephone if you contacted them first – by phone, via the IRS website, email, or postal mail. The IRS may also contact you by telephone if they have sent a notice using regular USPS mail first. Hackers and scammers can call from fake phone numbers that trick your CallerID into reporting the phone call originates in Washington, DC.
What Area Code Is 202?
Area code 202 is Washington, DC. Area code 202 was one of the original area codes established by AT&T as part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
Does the IRS Make Robocalls?
The IRS does not make robocalls. According to IRS website, does not call taxpayers until they have sent a notice via US Postal mail. The IRS does not call to demand or accept payment over the phone including credit card payments. If you do owe taxes, you are not required using a certain form of payment, like debit cards for example. Gift cards are neve an acceptable form of payment and are commonly requested by hackers because they are not traceable.
Robocalls are often used by scammers to dial a large volume of phone numbers in a short period of time. The phone scam may be the first call to test if a phone number is active and answered by someone. If you answer one IRS scam calls, there may be others with increasing scare tactics.
What to Do If You get an IRS Scam Call Area Code 202
If you receive a phone call from the IRS and you’re not sure it’s valid, you can call the IRS customer service line at 1-800-829-1040 to verify it. Never blindly give out any information to anyone who calls you, without verifying that you’re indeed speaking with a credentialed agent of the Internal Revenue Service. When in doubt, hang up and call them back using a phone number you found.
- Never give a caller any personal information – especially payment information, birthdate, social security number, address
- Never blindly give out any information or payment to anyone over the phone without verifying their identity
- If you think you are on a scam call, hang up. Look up the phone number for your IRS office on their official website
