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During tax season, many people report receiving unsolicited calls about tax abatement, with messages suggesting they may qualify for tax reductions or that there is an issue with their tax records. While tax abatements are a legitimate form of relief, these unexpected calls are often from individuals impersonating government tax authorities to get recipients to respond without verifying the information.
In this article, we’ve analyzed how these calls operate, what warning signs to look out for, and how you can protect yourself.
A tax abatement is an official reduction or removal of tax liability granted under certain legal conditions, such as disaster relief or property tax adjustments. However, calls claiming you qualify for abatement without any prior written notice are not genuine communications from tax agencies.
Fraudulent callers exploit the term tax abatement to make their outreach appear official. They often use urgent and professional sounding language, sometimes claiming to represent a Tax Review Office or Mediation Agency, to prompt recipients into taking immediate action.
According to OnlineThreatAlerts, these calls rely on scripted messages that feel routine but are designed to elicit a response from the recipient.
Here’s an example of how these calls are structured, as reported by Online Threat Alerts:
"Good morning and happy Friday. My name is Taylor Carson from the tax review office with a tax filing mediation and abatement agency. I’m reaching out because your account is still marked for possible missed filings or outstanding issues, and our office has access to a no-wait proprietary verification line. This line allows you to connect directly and receive exact confirmation immediately, without transfers or hold times. This verification stuff is used to confirm your current status and determine whether payment adjustments, abatement options, or full balance resolution programs may still apply.
Many individuals are surprised by what they qualify for once this review is completed. The call itself is brief and focused strictly on verification. It’s simply the most direct way to get clear answers and understand what options if any remain available. Please call me back today at 866-766-3904. That’s to access the verification line. If you no longer need assistance, please call back and press 2 to be removed."
Notice the vagueness: there are no specific tax years, amounts, or official case numbers, creating uncertainty that encourages a follow-up.
These impersonators often leave messages or send automated calls that:
The calls are designed to appear credible while creating a sense of urgency, which makes it easier for recipients to respond without verifying the legitimacy of the request.
Official agencies do not call first:
The IRS and other tax authorities usually send written notices before any phone contact. If a call arrives without prior mail, it’s an unauthorized contact.
They remain intentionally vague:
Legitimate tax communications provide specific tax years, amounts owed, and official reference numbers. Unauthorized contacts avoid these details.
Requests for sensitive information:
Government agencies do not request Social Security numbers, bank details, or passwords over unsolicited calls.
Pressure tactics are used:
Impersonators may claim legal consequences or deadlines to rush the recipient into action. Real tax authorities allow reasonable time and provide written notice first.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that unexpected calls claiming you owe back taxes or have issues with tax abatements or similar kinds of tax related messages are unauthorized contacts and should be hung up immediately.
If you receive a call about a tax abatement:
These steps help you avoid providing sensitive information to impersonators and protect your personal data.
Unexpected calls about tax abatements, particularly those that pressure you to act quickly, are usually from individuals pretending to be tax officials rather than genuine government representatives. While it’s true that tax abatements exist as a legitimate way to reduce or eliminate certain taxes, real tax agencies do not make unsolicited phone calls asking for personal details, Social Security numbers, or financial information. Any legitimate tax abatement process is handled through official written notices or verified online portals, never through random, urgent phone calls.
Staying informed, recognizing red flags, and always relying on official written notices are the best ways to protect yourself.
Disclaimer: This article has been written by a Scam Fighter Contributor. If you believe the article above contains inaccuracies or needs to include relevant information, please contact ScamAdviser.com using this form.
