Each year, elderly men and women get inundated with calls from people claiming to be with the IRS. The calls say the person hasn’t paid enough in taxes or something of that nature. Seniors are directed to share personal information or send money via gift cards.

As more people catch on, scammers change the IRS scam. There are currently several versions of the scam out there and some have changed by using a technique called spoofing to make it look like it’s really the IRS’s number that’s calling. Don’t let your parents fall for any of these tax scams or their changes.

Natural Disaster Scams

Calls and emails go out after a natural disaster asking for donations to help the victims and discuss how it will help reduce their taxes. Don’t let your parent donate money that’s solicited in this manner. Scammers “collect” the money while posing as a charitable organization, but they’re pocketing the money.

Phishing Scams

One of the latest IRS phishing scams involves the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel, which is a legitimate company, but its name is being used by scammers. This scam comes as an email that provides an IRS link and asks for personal information like name, account numbers, and an SSN. If your parent gets this scam in an email, have them forward it to phishing@irs.gov.

Spoofing Scams

The typical IRS scam has a new twist. The caller ID information lists the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center or another official IRS division or service. Seeing that the call is from the IRS, people are fooled into believing it’s really the IRS and there’s a problem.

Sometimes, the spoofing call is a robocall. The computer touches on the issue and gives a supposed IRS number for the victim to call at their convenience. When they answer, they get a system that makes it sound like it’s really the IRS. They’re directed to the right person and the scam begins.

Spoofing is a technique scammers use that changes the caller’s real number into a number they select. It’s used frequently to trick people into answering. Make sure your parents know this and don’t answer the phone. That’s the best way to avoid scams. Simply don’t answer the phone. The IRS does not call to alert taxpayers to problems. They send official letters.

Elder Care Aides Can Help Stop a Successful Scam

Your parents may feel it’s important to answer the phone. They were raised in a time when it was impolite to ignore a call. They may answer out of loneliness. Hire elder care aides for companionship services. When your parent has elder care providers for socialization, they’re less likely to engage with a stranger on the phone.

Learn more about the ways caregivers can help keep your parents safe. Call our elder care agency now.

If you are considering Elder Care Services in Shelby OH, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161.  Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Bellville, Mt. Gilead, Loudonville, Crestline, Galion, Shelby, Ashland, Wooster, and the surrounding areas.

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Stephen Sternbach

CEO at Central Star Home Health Services

With over 35 years of experience, Stephen Sternbach has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Star Multi Care Services since 1987. After the sale of the New York and New Jersey operations of Star Multi Care Services, Sternbach brought the company private where he remains President and CEO of this 40-million dollar company. With Sternbach at the helm, Star Multi Care Services employs more than 650 employees, in six offices throughout Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York.

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