6 chapters across the catalog
A new federal law mandates that the IRS use private debt collection agencies to recover back taxes. The hosts express concern that this will lead to an increase in phone scams, as the IRS previously told taxpayers they would never be called for collections. They mock the inefficiency of the program's payment structure.
IRS Phone Scam Operations in India and Swatting Risks
Federal agents reported that an IRS phone scam originating in India has stolen over $300 million from American families. Scammers threaten victims with immediate arrest unless they pay bogus tax debts via vouchers or wire transfers. In some cases, scammers have "swatted" victims who refused to pay by calling 911 and reporting violent crimes at their residences, leading to dangerous police interventions.
Indian IRS Scam, No Agenda Infrastructure Costs
John C. Dvorak recalls his recorded interaction with an Indian IRS scammer. The hosts discuss the rising costs of the show's infrastructure, managed by "Void Zero." They note that while listenership is at record highs, the percentage of donating producers remains low, leading to bandwidth saturation and slower download speeds for the audience.
One of the hosts records a phone call with an IRS scammer operating out of a boiler room in India. Using the alias "Frank Roosevelt," the host engages the scammer, who claims there are "numerical miscalculations" in his tax returns and threatens legal action unless a settlement is paid. The scammer's inability to follow his own script and the background noise of the call center are highlighted as red flags for this common fraudulent scheme.
IRS Phone Scams, India Call Centers, Public Service
A widespread phone scam involving individuals posing as IRS agents has defrauded victims of over $26 million. The Treasury Department warns that the real IRS always initiates contact via mail and never threatens immediate arrest over the phone, noting that many of these fraudulent calls originate from call centers in India.
Wyclef Jean, Artists United for Haiti, Hurricane Sandy Scams
An email solicitation from Avery Jean, related to Wyclef Jean, is exposed as a potential scam targeting graphic designers for Hurricane Sandy relief. Investigation reveals that "Artists United for Haiti" had its non-profit status revoked by the IRS for failing to file tax returns for three years. The organization's website is currently a parked domain that redirects mobile users to adult content apps.
