Wednesday, Jul 30, 2014

CDA has heard from several members about a scam involving calls from fraudsters claiming to be IRS agents or other law enforcement authorities. The scammers threaten victims with arrest, deportation, license revocation or business closure unless the individual pays the taxes they claim are owed. The callers demand payment by way of a prepaid debit card, credit card or wire transfer. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued an alert advising those targeted by the scam on how to report it.

If you received an email instead of a phone call, forward it (without opening any attachments or clicking links) to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov.

The FTC further advises that the IRS does not ask individuals to pay taxes with prepaid cards or wire transfers. The IRS only communicates with individuals regarding unpaid taxes via mail, never over the phone. Dentists or dental office staff who receive these phone calls should hang up immediately. It may also be worthwhile to contact your telephone provider about blocking the number.

For additional guidance, contact CDA Practice Support at 800.232.7645 or the TDIC Risk Management Advice Line at 800.733.0634. TDIC provides identity theft coverage for individual policyholders included in their professional liability coverage. Source: www.cda.org