Scam Alert: Fake Tax Relief Calls

Have you gotten a voicemail claiming you're behind on taxes and might “qualify for a government-backed tax relief program”? You're not alone—and it’s 100% a scam. I received one of those calls myself recently. Here’s how I knew it was fake:

🔴 Red Flags to Watch For:

• The IRS never calls out of the blue. They always contact you by mail first.

• There’s no such thing as a tax “application ID.” That’s scam-speak to sound official.

• “Press 9 to opt out.” Don’t do it—it confirms your number is active.

• Urgency and scare tactics. The IRS doesn’t give you a 10-minute deadline to avoid disaster.

✅ But Wait—The Real Fresh Start Program Does Exist

The IRS Fresh Start Program is legitimate, but it doesn’t work like the scammers claim. It’s designed to help taxpayers who are struggling with back taxes by offering:

• Payment plans

• Penalty relief

• Offer in Compromise (settling for less than you owe in certain cases)

You won’t hear about it from a robocall. Real options come through IRS letters or by working with a qualified tax professional—like me.

What to Do If You Get a Call Like This:

• Hang up.

• Block the number.

• Don’t share any personal information.

• Report it if you’d like, but most importantly: don’t engage.

If you're ever unsure whether something is real, reach out. I’m happy to help you sort fact from fiction before you get caught in a scam.