IRS warns of scams
With tax season underway, the IRS reminds seniors to remain alert to aggressive and threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents. The callers claim to be IRS employees, but are not.
These con artists can sound convincing when they call. They use fake names and bogus IRS identification badge numbers. They may know a lot about their targets, and they usually alter the caller ID to make it look like the IRS is calling.
The victims are told they owe money to the IRS and must pay it promptly through a preloaded debit card or wire transfer. If the victim refuses to cooperate, they are often threatened with arrest. In many cases, the caller becomes hostile and insulting. Alternately, victims may be told they have a refund due to try to trick them into sharing private information. If the phone isn’t answered, the phone scammers often leave an “urgent” callback request.
The IRS and its authorized private collection agencies will never call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method. They do no threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.
If you have no reason to think you owe taxes, hang up immediately and contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to report the call. Use their “IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting” web page or call (800) 366-4484.
If you think you may owe tax, call the IRS at (800) 829-1040.
Volunteers sought for Women Build Week
Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii and Lowe’s invite women to build alongside future homeowners during the 10th annual National Women Build Week, May 6-14.
On May 6, volunteers will join two homeowners in Waikoloa Village in building two homes as part of the Kamakoa Nui Affordable workforce housing project.
This year’s Women Build will also be an opportunity for community members to fundraise for Habitat for Humanity. Teams of 10 women and men can register to raise money to be used for the Home Builders Program. There will be a prize for most raised by a team and individual.
No construction skills are necessary. To volunteer or donate, visit www.habitatwesthawaii.org/events or call 331-8010 or email amanda@habitatwesthawaii.org.