Consumers need to be cautious when dealing with private debt collectors who claim to be working with the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins warned Friday.
“The IRS’s use of private debt collection companies to collect unpaid taxes may create confusion for those already susceptible to the IRS impersonation scam, like our nation’s seniors,” said Collins, R-Maine, who chairs the Senate Aging Committee.
“I urge consumers to remain vigilant and protect themselves from potential scams that could stem from this new development,” she continued.
Only four firms have been authorized by the IRS to collect back taxes, noted Collins. Any other debt collection company claiming to contact a consumer on behalf of the IRS is acting illegally and is operating a scam, she said.
These are the four IRS-authorized collectors:
• CBE Group of Cedar Falls, Iowa
• Conserve of Fairport, N.Y.
• Performant of Livermore, Calif.
• Pioneer of Horseheads, N.Y.
A consumer who owes back taxes will be contacted initially by the IRS, not one of the private companies, Collins explained.