AP: IRS Warns Against Phony Debt Collectors (posing as agency hires)

[DeepModem Mom]

IRS Warns Against Phony Debt Collectors
Aug 23
By MARY DALRYMPLE
AP Tax Writer
WASHINGTON

The IRS warned taxpayers Wednesday not to be duped by scammers posing as private debt collectors the agency has hired to chase unpaid tax debts.

The Internal Revenue Service designed the debt collection program to minimize that risk "because we know what it's like out there with regard to identity theft nowadays," said Brady Bennett, IRS director of collection.

But some critics of the program see so many pitfalls that they're urging debtors to insist on negotiating payment directly with the IRS.

The National Treasury Employees Union, which represents IRS employees and opposes the program, has even drafted a sample letter that taxpayers can send to opt out of the private collection program and demand that the IRS handle their case.

The IRS plans to assign 12,500 accounts with unpaid tax debts to three private agencies beginning Sept. 7. About 40,000 accounts will be turned over by the end of the year. The IRS chose taxpayers who owe less than $25,000 and don't dispute the debt....

http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/08/23/D8JMGFVG1.html

[AzDar]

1. Another horrible plan hatched by a horrible Administration. Shouldn't

be legal....

[saigon68]

2. Tell them to "Go FUCK Themselves" if they call you

[serryjw]

6. How the hell are you

ever going to know which is legitimate?

[LostinVA]

7. My first thought when I read the article

[toopers]

3. Just 1 more reason . . .

to go to a national sales tax!

[denverbill]

5. Maybe you can afford a 50% tax increase. I can't. No thanks. n/t

[toopers]

9. It wouldn't be a tax increase . . .

it would be a tax decrease, if I wanted it to be.

[brentspeak]

4. This entire IRS privatization scheme is a total scam

The latest IRS chief, a Bush crony appointee, was forced to admit that using private collection companies to collect debts will cost the agency about 10x more than simply using the agency itself. So why is the IRS doing this? So that Bush cronies can make a fortune as private collection agents hired by the IRS.

[woodsprite]

8. First thing I thought: It's probably the RNC. n/t

[IChing]

10. As an offical duly appointed tax debt collector hired by the government.

Expect a letter in your DU mailbox where I will tell you were to send the money and interest you owe.

Below is my official identification card given to me by the IRS if you doubt me.






http://www.cyberlore.com/majesty/graphics/card-tax-collector+small.jpg

[DeepModem Mom]

11. Clever! nt

[Stargazer99]

12. Dear Sheeple how would you like your personal financial

information in the hands of "outsource" employees (read cheaper labor). Do you feel safe with your data in the hands of individuals that have not undergone the intense checking of the worker's background? Wake up!