It boggles my mind that anyone still falls for these scams. But since they do, there is a new twist on the IRS phone scam.

Over the past year, I've had quite a few messages left on my answering machine from someone claiming to represent the IRS, and demanding immediate payment of taxes I supposedly owed. Certainly I'm not alone in this, and most everyone knows it's a total scam. Sadly though, people do fall prey to it.

Now according to AARP, there's a new twist to this called the IRS refund phishing scam. The scammer tells you that your refund is higher than expected, but you need to contact the IRS with some banking info.

You can also check the IRS / Tax Scams Consumer alert site for info. Always better to be forewarned.

The AARP is now running a campaign to educate people about IRS scams. The good news, experts say, is that several years ago, scammers used to have to make 30 calls to find a victim. Now, it takes 400 calls. The IRS reminds people that they will never contact you by phone about tax debts, and will never demand immediate payment.

Another reminder, if you get a call like that, just hang up, or if it's an email, delete it. You know the saying. Better safe than sorry!

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