How to Protect Seniors from IRS Impersonation Scams

Imagine your older loved one answering the phone and hearing a stern voice claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service. The caller says your loved one owes back taxes and must pay immediately—or risk arrest. For many older adults, this kind of call can be terrifying and confusing. Unfortunately, these IRS impersonation scams are increasingly common, with seniors being a primary target.

Scammers rely on fear and urgency to manipulate their victims. These tactics can override common sense and lead even the most cautious person to take hasty action. The financial toll is staggering: according to the IRS, victims have collectively lost over $20 million to this scam, with many being older adults living on fixed incomes.

Understanding how these scams work—and what the real IRS will never do—can help you and your loved ones stay safe.

Common Red Flags of IRS Scams

Scammers may contact victims by phone, voicemail, email, or even through physical mail that looks official. Here's what to watch for:

• ‍Threatening phone calls: Aggressive callers may claim that back taxes are owed and demand immediate payment to avoid arrest.‍
• Fake IRS documents or websites: Scammers often use counterfeit IRS stationery or lookalike websites to create a false sense of legitimacy.‍
• Unusual payment requests: Victims may be instructed to go to a bank, purchase gift cards, or send cash—something the IRS would never require.‍
• Fake caller ID: Some scammers spoof IRS phone numbers to make the calls appear genuine.

Even if the call or letter sounds convincing, remember: these scammers are highly manipulative and persistent. Their goal is to scare seniors into paying quickly before they have time to think or consult someone they trust.

What the Real IRS Will Never Do

To help consumers recognize fraud, the IRS has shared a list of behaviors that real IRS representatives will never engage in:

• Demand immediate payment over the phone without prior written communication.
• Threaten to involve police or law enforcement to arrest you for nonpayment.
• Insist you pay taxes without the chance to appeal or question the amount owed.
• Require payment through specific methods like prepaid debit cards or gift cards.
• Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

The only official IRS website is IRS.gov. Be cautious of lookalike websites ending in .com, .net, or .org.

How to Report IRS Scam Attempts

If you suspect your loved one has been contacted by an IRS impersonator:

• ‍Report it to TIGTA: Call the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484.‍
• File a complaint with the FTC: Visit www.FTC.gov to submit a report.‍
• Forward scam emails to: phishing@irs.gov.‍
• Never click on links or open attachments in suspicious emails.

Encourage your loved one to speak up if something feels wrong. Reassure them that it’s okay to hang up, take a breath, and reach out for help.

How Geriatric Care Managers Can Help

Navigating elder fraud threats can be overwhelming—especially for aging adults who live alone or may be cognitively vulnerable. Geriatric care managers (GCMs) are trained professionals who specialize in helping older adults stay safe, supported, and informed.

Here’s how a GCM can help protect your loved one from scams:

• ‍Educate and empower seniors about common fraud tactics.‍
• Monitor for signs of financial exploitation, especially in cognitively impaired individuals.‍
• Communicate regularly with family members to share concerns or suspicious activity.‍
• Coordinate legal and financial resources, including elder law attorneys or financial advisors.‍
• Act as a trusted advocate, offering reassurance and guidance during times of confusion or distress.

By partnering with a GCM, families gain peace of mind knowing there’s a knowledgeable ally looking out for their loved one’s best interests.

Protect Your Loved One from Financial Scams Today

Worried your aging parent could fall for an IRS scam? We can help.

‍📞 Contact LiveWell today to schedule a free initial consultation and discover how our experienced care managers can support you and your loved ones—during the holidays and beyond. Together, we can keep your loved one safe, secure, and informed.