IRS Scams and Fraud Alerts: How to Protect Yourself and Your Refund

Episode Summary: In this eye-opening episode of Resilience and Resolve, tax attorney Lance Drury talks about the growing threat of IRS scams. They uncover the most common schemes, including fake settlement letters, threatening phone calls, and identity theft tactics used to steal personal information. Lance shares real-life examples of victims, explains what the IRS will never do, and offers crucial advice on avoiding scammers who prey on taxpayers—especially seniors and small business owners. Learn how to recognize red flags, why hiring a qualified local attorney is key, and what steps to take if you’ve already fallen victim. Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Show Introduction 00:53 – Guest Introduction: Tax Attorney Lance Drury 01:05 – Common IRS scams targeting taxpayers 02:25 – Fake settlement letters and threatening phone calls 04:00 – How scammers prey on vulnerable groups, including seniors 05:15 – The dangers of hiring unqualified firms for tax help 07:45 – Identity theft and fraudulent tax returns 09:15 – What the IRS will never do when collecting taxes 10:16 – What to do if you’ve already sent money to a scammer 11:50 – Why seniors are more vulnerable to IRS scams 13:20 – How delayed refunds and IRS inefficiency complicate matters 14:10 – Can a tax attorney help recover money lost to scammers? About the Show: “Resilience and Resolve with Lance Drury” provides practical legal insights into IRS matters, tax law, and financial defense strategies. Each episode explores timely and complex tax issues with real-world examples and expert analysis from Lance Drury and his experienced legal team.