BOE warns of bogus callers demanding tax payments

With the April 15 tax day approaching, the state Board of Equalization warned this week about phony phone calls attempting to intimidate taxpayers into paying back taxes. The BOE said it has had multiple complaints by taxpayers who received threatening calls from someone impersonating a police officer and demanding immediate payment for a tax liability.

The bogus callers, according to the BOE, have threatened to make arrests and have spoofed police or BOE telephone numbers on caller IDs, creating the appearance of legitimacy.

BOE said taxpayers should never disclose personal information or make a payment to anybody making such a call. BOE said it does not make phone calls, but sends bills/notices by mail to those who owe tax payments, with the due date clearly indicated. The board noted that payment scams – including bogus calls from con artists demanding tax payments via a debit card or wire transfer – typically accelerate as the annual April 15 income tax-filing deadline approaches.

Taxpayers who believe they have received a phony call are being asked to call BOE at (800) 400-7115 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.. More information also is at boe.ca.gov. Those who have a BOE tax liability but cannot pay the full amount are urged to contact the agency.

This story was originally published March 19, 2015 at 10:22 AM with the headline "BOE warns of bogus callers demanding tax payments."