The phone rings, and it’s a man’s voice. “We’ve been trying to reach you, Mr. Anderson. This call is officially a final notice from the IRS (Internal Revenue Service).  This call is to inform you that the IRS is filing a lawsuit against you. To get more information about this case file, please call our department telephone number immediately at 360-362-4254.”

 

Of course you’re startled, and when you glance down at the caller ID sure enough it says Washington. Thoughts race through your head Did I file incorrectly? Did I miss something? Do they have the right person? So you frantically call the number back to get more information. You’re greeted by a friendly voice. She explains that you have back taxes, and you owe thousands of dollars. She goes on to describe the unclaimed income that you have gotten over the last few years. However, she’s there to help. If you’ll make a single $300 payment via check by phone, they’ll drop the remaining amount owed.Of course, this is a scam. The area code 360 is Washington; however, that’s Washington the state as in Seattle, Washington.

These types of social engineering attacks are becoming more common and more aggressive. It is tax season, and the cyber-criminals are trying to make money off this opportunity. At this very moment, massive amounts of robo-calls are being made, searching for thier next mark.

jelly_beans

This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill - the story ends, you wake up in your bed, and your bank account has been cleaned out. Or you take the red pill - don’t call the number, don't give any personal information to someone over the phone, and don't lose any of your hard earned money. The choice is yours, Mr. Anderson. 

 

 

 


 

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