What are some IRS suggestions for preventing phone scams?

The Internal Revenue Service website advises taxpayers to prevent phone scams by being aware that the agency never calls demanding immediate payment of taxes. The IRS also doesn't call regarding owed taxes without first sending a bill by mail.

The agency also doesn't threaten to call police, threaten arrest, or ask for credit or debit card information over the phone. A person who calls asking for these things or anyone who requests payment for taxes without giving the taxpayer a chance to question or appeal the amount is not from the IRS, according to the agency's website. Suspicious taxpayers should call the IRS at 800-829-1040.