What is a recommended protective measure against IRS phone scams?

The recommended protective measure against IRS phone scams is to never provide personal information to unsolicited callers. This is crucial because scammers often impersonate legitimate organizations, like the IRS, to extract sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers or bank account details. Recognizing that legitimate organizations will not initiate contact in this manner helps individuals protect themselves from identity theft and financial fraud.

Providing information to the caller can lead to severe consequences, as it puts personal data into the hands of fraudsters. Verifying a caller's identity through social media may not reliably confirm their legitimacy, as scammers can create fake profiles. While ignoring suspicious calls can be a safe approach, it doesn't address the need to protect one's information proactively. Therefore, the best course of action is to avoid sharing personal details with anyone who initiates a call, especially when the call is unsolicited.