Late afternoon, July 21, I received a call identified as from the IRS. It was terrifying. The caller said I was accused of tax fraud and needed to immediately wire $2,000. I was continuously bullied and threatened that if I did not do this immediately action would be taken to put liens on all my property, stop my credit-card usage, and garnish my bank account and retirement account. I was not told what the specific charges were. I was told I could not contact my accountant or a tax attorney, and if I terminated the phone call, action would be taken immediately.

The men I spoke with spoke quickly and with strong accents. I was taken in by their threats and not being able to understand them. I asked to delay until the next morning. It was agreed to, and I was again threatened that if I did not call at 8 a.m., immediate action would be taken.

I was able to reach my tax accountant as soon as I disconnected with those frightening me. My accountant confirmed that it was a scam. The IRS does not make phone calls; it sends letters by USPS, and if there is no follow-up, a certified letter is sent. They also will accept credit cards and personal checks, and certainly allow someone to defend themselves before taking court action. My accountant reiterated the following from the IRS: www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Reiterates-Warning-of-Pervasive-Telephone-Scam. I was fortunate in the quick response of my tax accountant. I did not wire any funds, and I reported this scam to the IRS.

Be wary. This is a nasty scam.

Marilyn Sandstrom

Durango