Despite the fact that older people are at high risk of being swindled, the FBI notes they are less likely to report being defrauded than younger people because they:

Don’t know who to report it to
Are too ashamed at having been scammed
May not know they have been conned
Are concerned about losing their independence if someone finds out

What you need to know about the IRS process

If there is a problem with a person’s taxes, the IRS issues notices by mail – not by phone. The IRS will never ask for payment by phone using a prepaid debit card, money order or wire transfer. Nor will they ask for a credit card number over the phone, request personal or financial information by e-mail, text, or any social media.

Click link for full article on this topic: http://blog.aginglifecare.org/blog/protect-aging-parents-from-tax-scams/