There’s a big wave of reports about phone scams claiming you owe back taxes. But it’s not the IRS calling, it’s a scammer using a company name like “Tax Resolution Oversight Department.” If someone calls you out of the blue offering to help you fix a tax issue, hang up. Here’s how to spot the scam.
It starts with an unexpected call from the “Tax Mediation and Resolution Agency,” or another official-sounding (but fake) government agency. They’ll say you haven’t paid your taxes and offer to connect you with a “tax resolution officer,” who can do a “red flag check” on your credit and help you apply for an “IRS liability reduction program.” But those aren’t real programs and that’s your sign to end the call. Some scammers leave a voicemail saying, “This may be our only attempt to reach you” hoping you’ll call back right away. But it’s all part of the story to steal personal information like your Social Security number — or in some cases, charge you an illegal upfront fee for tax debt relief that doesn’t actually help.
Even if you owe back taxes, know this: the IRS’s first contact with you will always come by mail, not by phone. Here’s how to avoid an IRS impersonator and get real help:
Westchester Senior Voice is privileged to provide this content. Please share with friends, family and colleagues.
Latest posts by Westchester Senior Voice
(see all)
15 Feb 2026
0 Commentsback taxes? hang up
There’s a big wave of reports about phone scams claiming you owe back taxes. But it’s not the IRS calling, it’s a scammer using a company name like “Tax Resolution Oversight Department.” If someone calls you out of the blue offering to help you fix a tax issue, hang up. Here’s how to spot the scam.
It starts with an unexpected call from the “Tax Mediation and Resolution Agency,” or another official-sounding (but fake) government agency. They’ll say you haven’t paid your taxes and offer to connect you with a “tax resolution officer,” who can do a “red flag check” on your credit and help you apply for an “IRS liability reduction program.” But those aren’t real programs and that’s your sign to end the call. Some scammers leave a voicemail saying, “This may be our only attempt to reach you” hoping you’ll call back right away. But it’s all part of the story to steal personal information like your Social Security number — or in some cases, charge you an illegal upfront fee for tax debt relief that doesn’t actually help.
Even if you owe back taxes, know this: the IRS’s first contact with you will always come by mail, not by phone. Here’s how to avoid an IRS impersonator and get real help:
Read up on how government imposter scams work. Start with ftc.gov/imposters and if you spot a scam, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.