tax lien not real?

[Wassdeet]

CA

I have received two phone calls and correspondence that say I owe a tax lien to something called Federal Taxing Authority. Anyways, they say this: "Notice of wage garnishment and lien investigation". However they are willing to accept $825.40 for the tax lien of $8254.00.

They say "a tax lien in the amount of $8254 has been moved to the advanced stages of collections." They also say "a lien has issued by the Federal Tax Authority."

I do have a tax lien for about the amount above from IRS and have been making payments for three years faithfully. I have a clean slate as far as I know on my credit reports and I think it's just a scam.

What do you think?

 

[Proserpina]

CA

I have received two phone calls and correspondence that say I owe a tax lien to something called Federal Taxing Authority. Anyways, they say this: "Notice of wage garnishment and lien investigation". However they are willing to accept $825.40 for the tax lien of $8254.00.

They say "a tax lien in the amount of $8254 has been moved to the advanced stages of collections." They also say "a lien has issued by the Federal Tax Authority."

I do have a tax lien for about the amount above from IRS and have been making payments for three years faithfully. I have a clean slate as far as I know on my credit reports and I think it's just a scam.

What do you think?

Call the tax authority and clarify whether or not the collection attempt is legit. They'll tell you - they don't want you to get scammed any more than you do.

 

[LdiJ]

Call the tax authority and clarify whether or not the collection attempt is legit. They'll tell you - they don't want you to get scammed any more than you do.

He should instead call the IRS. He should tell them what he has been receiving and point out that he has been paying faithfully on an installment plan. He should see what they have to say.

I am pretty sure this is a scam, but if it is, its a new one and much more sophisticated than previous scams.

OP, if the IRS was going to levy you, the IRS themselves would have sent you an "intent to levy" letter. It would not come from something called the "Federal Taxing Authority". There is no such agency within the federal government.

 

[Wassdeet]

tax lien not real

He should instead call the IRS. He should tell them what he has been receiving and point out that he has been paying faithfully on an installment plan. He should see what they have to say.

I am pretty sure this is a scam, but if it is, its a new one and much more sophisticated than previous scams.

OP, if the IRS was going to levy you, the IRS themselves would have sent you an "intent to levy" letter. It would not come from something called the "Federal Taxing Authority". There is no such agency within the federal government.

I think it's a scam unless Federal Taxing Authority writes in pink paper with no address or phone number. And since my IRS lien is being paid every month as they and I made a deal three years ago. The fact that these guys would want $825 from a $8254.00, that's quite a deal if the lien is real?

 

[Proserpina]

I think it's a scam unless Federal Taxing Authority writes in pink paper with no address or phone number. And since my IRS lien is being paid every month as they and I made a deal three years ago. The fact that these guys would want $825 from a $8254.00, that's quite a deal if the lien is real?

I'd keep a copy of the letter, and then actually send it onto ... whoever follows these matters. If it's not criminal, it's about as close as you can get - and it needs to stop.

 

[davew128]

The IRS (nor any other taxing authority in the US) will not approach you and make an offer to settle for a fraction of the amount due. Thats not to say under the circumstances that a settlement cannot be made (IF the circumstances fit) but they will NEVER approach you about one.

Should they call you again, I suggest you take the approach I used to do with unwelcome sales calls and turn up the volume of porn video and walk away while on speaker phone.

 

[Wassdeet]

I think it's a scam unless Federal Taxing Authority writes in pink paper with no address or phone number. And since my IRS lien is being paid every month as they and I made a deal three years ago. The fact that these guys would want $825 from a $8254.00, that's quite a deal if the lien is real?[/

Here's what I also wrote that disappeared from this reply form;

One letter is pink with no address and basically says that: "A lien has been issued by the Federal Taxing Authority, this letter is to notify you that a wage garnishment and/or tax lien investigation may follow. The demand for payment has yet to be satisfied and as of 8/13/2015."
t
The white letter, which looks like a Social Security envelope, but isn't says "Call us immediately at 800-314-9702 for information on how to prevent the Taxing Authority from initiating these actions and potentially pay of your tax debt for less than you owe."

I think it says it all right there. They never really say they are going after the money. As mentioned I have a payment plan every month since the last three years with IRS.

 

[justalayman]

Google search the phone number and read a few of the links. I think that will answer any questions you have.

 

[TinkerBelleLuvr]

scammers

http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-800-314-9702

The IRS will NOT use this approach.

 

[Wassdeet]

It is a scam

scammers

http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-800-314-9702

The IRS will NOT use this approach.

I checked out that phone number... 800-314-9702, lots of people got it and various different answers, including cursing etc. on that phone # side.

http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-800-314-9702

 

[single317dad]

This is certainly an attempt at a scam. The scammers probably got your contact information and amount owed from public records.

Just to be absolutely certain, I'd do as post #2 suggested and contact the real taxing authority for the alleged tax debt. Make sure there's no kernel of truth to this story.

You were right to be suspicious, as this and similar scams have become quite prevalent in recent years.

 

[LdiJ]

This is certainly an attempt at a scam. The scammers probably got your contact information and amount owed from public records.

Just to be absolutely certain, I'd do as post #2 suggested and contact the real taxing authority for the alleged tax debt. Make sure there's no kernel of truth to this story.

You were right to be suspicious, as this and similar scams have become quite prevalent in recent years.

I agree. You really do need to call the IRS to report this scam. This is more sophisticated than the most recent scams. They were limited to phone calls, not letters.

 

[Wassdeet]

more

I agree. You really do need to call the IRS to report this scam. This is more sophisticated than the most recent scams. They were limited to phone calls, not letters.

I'm pretty sure IRS will confirm my payments, but I will mention these scam guys as to what they do. The thing is, if you read it through, it really is basically a way to get money from you, in my case, $825 for a lien of $8,825. Basically they must get money from some people.