What should you do if a caller claims to be from the IRS?

If a caller claims to be from the IRS, the safest course of action is to hang up and independently verify the number. This approach protects you from potential scams and fraud. Scammers often impersonate IRS agents to obtain personal information or money, and they frequently use techniques that can be convincing. By hanging up, you avoid engaging further with someone who may not actually represent the IRS and can instead contact the IRS using official channels you find on their website or through known resources.

Verifying the number independently ensures that you are speaking to a legitimate IRS representative rather than a fake caller. The IRS typically communicates through official letters rather than phone calls when it comes to sensitive matters, so it’s important to be cautious. This method emphasizes the importance of being proactive and skeptical when it comes to unsolicited communications from anyone claiming to represent government agencies.