Taxpayers should be on the lookout for new variations of tax-related scams.  In the latest twist on a scam related to Social Security numbers, scammers claim to be able to suspend or cancel your SSN.  It’s yet another attempt by con artists to frighten you into returning ‘robocall’ voicemails.

Scammers may mention overdue taxes in addition to threatening to cancel your SSN.  If you receive a call threatening to suspend your SSN for an unpaid tax bill, you should just hang up.

Make no mistake…it’s a scam.

You should not give out sensitive information over the phone unless you know the caller is legitimate.  When in doubt –hang up.  Here are some telltale signs of this scam.  The IRS and its authorized private collection agencies will never:

• Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, iTunes gift card or wire transfer.  The IRS does not use these methods for tax payments.
• Ask you to make a payment to a person or organization other than the U.S. Treasury.
• Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.
• Demand taxes be paid without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.

If you owe tax, you should:

• View tax account information online at IRS.gov to see the actual amount owed and review your payment options.
• Call the number on the IRS notice which indicates the amount and type of tax you owe which you recognize.
• Call the IRS at 800-829-1040.