SALT LAKE CITY -- Some con artists recently picked the least likely person to fall for their scam.
Francine Giani, Director of the Utah Department of Commerce, is the state’s top consumer watchdog, and she knew right away she had a fraudulent voicemail.
“Just last week and the week before, I received several notices from robo-calls indicating that I was the target of an IRS investigation, and that I owed a lot of money, and that judgments were going to be filed, and police officers were going to come to my home,” Giani said.
Giani provided a recording of the voicemails she received, including these ominous statements:
“This call is official and final notice from the IRS, Internal Revenue Service.”
“The reason of this call it to inform you that IRS is filing the lawsuit against you.”
“Don't disregard this message and do return this call before we take any action against you.”
Giani says if you remember one thing, you won’t fall for the scam.
“The IRS will never, ever contact you by telephone if you owe money,” Giani said.
If you have a question for the IRS, call their official number rather than any number given to you on the phone or in an email.
The IRS help line is 1-800-829-1040.
