01/22/2026
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IRS Scams hitting our area
🚨 IRS Scam Calls Are on the Rise — Here’s What You Need to Know
An educational warning from local tax professional :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} of JLW Tax & Accounting Services
Over the past few months, I’ve had an increasing number of clients reach out to me feeling anxious, confused, and even frightened after receiving what they believed were legitimate calls from the IRS..
The problem? These calls were scams — and unfortunately, they’re becoming more realistic, more aggressive, and more convincing than ever.
⚠️ Important Reminder:
The IRS will NOT call you out of the blue demanding payment. They will ONLY initiate contact by official mail.
How These IRS Phone Scams Work
Scam callers often sound professional, informed, and urgent. Many even use:
Fake IRS badge numbers
Caller ID spoofing to appear as a government line
Partial Social Security numbers
Threats of penalties, liens, wage garnishment, or arrest
The goal is to create fear and urgency so you act before thinking — often pressuring you to make immediate payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
đźš« Red Flag Alert:
The IRS will never:
Demand immediate payment over the phone
Request gift cards, Zelle, Venmo, or crypto
Threaten arrest without written notice
Refuse to let you consult your tax professional
What the IRS Actually Does
If you truly owe back taxes or penalties, the IRS follows a very specific process:
You receive a formal notice by mail
The notice includes detailed amounts and tax years
You are given time to respond or appeal
You are allowed — and encouraged — to work with a tax professional
There are no surprise phone calls. No threats. No instant deadlines.
What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious IRS Call
✔️ Follow These Steps:
Do not provide personal or financial information
Do not make any payment
Hang up the phone
Contact your trusted tax professional immediately
Even if a call feels legitimate, it’s always better to pause and verify. A quick review by a professional can save you thousands of dollars — and a lot of stress.
Why Working With a Local Tax Professional Matters
When something feels off, having a local expert who knows you — and knows the IRS process — makes all the difference.
At JLW Tax & Accounting Services, we regularly help clients:
Verify IRS notices and communications
Identify scam attempts quickly
Address legitimate tax issues the right way
Communicate with the IRS on their behalf
Judi Wallace is the owner of JLW Accounting & Tax Services, based in Setauket, NY, where she provides personalized accounting, bookkeeping, and tax services to individuals, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations throughout Long Island. A QuickBooks ProAdvisor, Judi specializes in helping clients stay organized, compliant, and confident in their financial decisions through accurate bookkeeping, payroll support, tax preparation, and year-round tax planning.
A proud Three Village resident, Judi is deeply involved in the local community and actively supports organizations such as the Three Village Rotary, local chambers of commerce, and other community groups. She believes in educating clients, building long-term relationships, and serving as a trusted financial resource—not just at tax time, but all year long.
Office: 631-338-8858
