For Immediate Release
Date: March 28, 2008
Contact: David Griffith
Phone: (573) 751-8222

Department Warns Taxpayers of Repeated Scam Calls

JEFFERSON CITY –The Missouri Department of Revenue (Department) announced that it has received word that once again Missouri taxpayers are being targeted by scam artists. The callers are identifying themselves as representatives of the Department of Revenue to obtain sensitive information from taxpayers.

The calls have been both individuals and recorded messages, with the caller requesting routing numbers for bank accounts and social security information. These scammers are saying this information is needed to debit their account for payment due the Department of Revenue. The Department would never call individual taxpayers requesting personal bank account routing numbers or credit card numbers to process an income tax refund or an amount due the Department.

“Missourians need to continue to be cautious when asked to give out their personal information over the phone to someone claiming to be with the Department of Revenue,” Gov. Blunt said. “I have urged the Department to continue to inform Missourians about these scams to protect taxpayers from fraud and identity theft.”

“We are very concerned that these scam artists, purporting to be from the Department of Revenue, could threaten taxpayers’ sensitive information,” said Omar Davis, Director of Revenue.  “These scam calls have continued to surface throughout this tax season, and we want Missourians to be very cautious before giving out any financial information over the phone if they did not initiate the call.”

If customers receive these types of calls, they should NOT divulge any personal information to the caller.  Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or (800) 392-8222.   

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