A group of scammers impersonating IRS officials is targeting Hindu and South Asian Americans.  While Hindi American Foundation's (HAF) DC staff is in touch with attorneys from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), we need YOU to help us understand the extent of the scam.

Many Hindu and South Asian Americans have received phone calls from individuals claiming to be from the IRS or law enforcement.  The callers generally state that the IRS has assessed tax penalties against the victim.  The victim is asked to pay a settlement with the IRS to avoid further legal and financial penalties.  In some cases, the victims are repeatedly harassed and threatened with imprisonment.

If you (or a family member) are contacted by a scammer claiming to be from the IRS (or have already been contacted by one), you should:

DO NOT provide the caller with any personal or financial information or make arrangements for payment.

Collect the number you were called from, as well as the scammer's name, the agency he claims to represent, and the amount and method of payment demanded.

Call the IRS Helpline at 800-829-1040 to assess if there is an actual situation.

Contact your local law enforcement and the FTC to report the incident.  You can complain to the FTC here.

Submit your case to HAF here.

For an example of a couple targeted, see this news report.

Thank you for helping keep our communities safe. Thank you for supporting HAF so that we can better serve our community.

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