Beware – Scammers Targeting Taxpayers

Sacramento – Watch out! The California State Board of Equalization (BOE) is warning Californians about tax-related phone scams.

The BOE has received multiple reports from taxpayers that received phone calls from someone impersonating a local police officer who demanded immediate payment for a tax liability and threatened arrest. The callers spoof police department or BOE telephone numbers on caller ID, creating the appearance that a legitimate party is calling. With the April 15 due date for income tax returns approaching, tax-related phone scams are more common. In some of these instances, con artists demand payment through a pre-paid debit card or wire transfer.

Taxpayers should never give any personal information or make a payment to anybody making such a call. You will receive a bill (a notice of determination or demand for immediate payment), which means you have a tax or fee amount due by the date indicated. If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact the BOE to find out about payment plan options.

BOE Chairman Jerome E. Horton said, “I am grateful that several of our permit holders alerted us to this terrible fraud.”

Vice Chair George Runner said, “If you’ve been contacted by someone who may be falsely claiming to represent a tax agency, please let us know immediately.”

“Tax season is complicated enough without scammers preying on Californians. State and federal tax agencies will send a notification in writing—not by phone, so don’t fall victim to these predators,” said Board Member Fiona Ma.

If you believe you have received such a call, please contact the BOE Customer Service Center at 1-800-400-7115 Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (except state holidays).