202-506-8051

2 calls today on a private number - one a prerecorded women's voice and then a man with a heavy Indian accent.  Both claim it is urgent to call IRS immediately.  he wishes us luck if we do not call them back by end of day.

Spoofing 202 area code, Washington DC phone numbers is very common.  Here's some info I found about the most common 202 spoof scams right now:

Government Grants Scam

"Government officials" call to offer a grant or say you've qualified for a grant.  They want your banking info so they can deposit the thousands in grant money to your account, but of course, no money will be deposited for you.  Private citizens do not qualify for grants, they are issued to certain non-profits and other institutions.  Go to Grant.gov for more info.


IRS Scam

The scammer impersonates an IRS employee, asks for your social security number and and bank account numbers.  The often claim that the IRS needs the information to complete the processing of your payment.  In a similar scam they state that the check issued by IRS has not been cashed, and the IRS is calling to verify the individual’s bank account number.  Another scam is to use strong arm tactics saying that the IRS is coming after you for taxes you owed and didn't pay, pressuring you into sending money you really don't owe.  Go to IRS.gov for more info and to report the fraudsters to the feds.

Almost all of these spoof 202 calls are based in other countries.  There are even entire boiler rooms of them in India and other countries.