With a growing number of fraudsters and scammers looking for victims, it is important for individuals to be able to distinguish legitimate IRS staff from imposters. All taxpayers should understand how to protect themselves from fraudulent text messages, emails, phone contacts or in-person visits.

1. Text Messages — The IRS does not send text messages to individuals with shortened links. Scammers will frequently send text messages that include a bogus link. If you receive an unexpected text, you should refrain from clicking on any links or open attachments.
   
   If you do receive a suspicious text message, you should send a screenshot of it as an attachment to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For individuals with an iPhone, you can take a screenshot by clicking both the Volume Up and the Power button. The screenshot will appear at the lower left corner of the screen. Click on the screenshot to edit, select Done at the top left and save to photos. You may then select the photo of the screenshot, click the lower left button to allow you to choose your email service and send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the screenshot.
    
2. Email Scams— The IRS does not ask for personal or financial information with an initial contact through email. The standard IRS contact will be through several letters by regular mail. Any suspicious emails should also be forwarded to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For additional instructions, visit “Report phishing and online scams" page on gov with specific instructions.
    
3. Individuals Who Owe Tax— If you owe tax to the IRS, you can expect to receive several letters prior to a phone call. The IRS may follow up the letters with a phone call if you have an overdue tax bill, a delinquent tax return or have failed to make an unemployment tax deposit. The IRS emphasizes it will not demand immediate payment by a specific payment method like a debit card or gift card, or ask for credit card numbers over the phone. They will also not threaten you with arrest by the local police or demand tax payments without giving you an opportunity to appeal the claim. These strategies all indicate you are talking with a scammer.
    
4. IRS Agent In-Person Visits— Generally, IRS officers only make visits after you have received several notices by mail. The IRS revenue agent may make a visit for the purpose of education, investigation and appropriate enforcement steps. IRS auditors also may mail an initial appointment letter and generally will call and confirm the date prior to a scheduled audit appointment. If you have an in-person visit with an IRS representative, you should always ask for his or her credentials and HSPD-12 card. This is a standard government form of identification that will contain the agent’s photo and serial number.
    
5. Resolving Tax Issues— On gov, there are several helpful sections that may assist taxpayers in creating payment plans. You can pay taxes through the Online Account with IRS Direct Pay or using your debit or credit card. There are individuals who may qualify for a payment plan or an Offer in Compromise (OIC). The IRS again emphasizes it will not demand immediate payment, will not ask for credit or debit card numbers, will not threaten to have you arrested by local police and will always offer an opportunity to appeal. An IRS appeals officer may review your case prior to any further action.

Editor's Note: The fraudsters and scammers continue to become more sophisticated. Many of them build a relationship with the victim through multiple emails or phone calls prior to taking action to complete fraud. Individuals should be careful if they are contacted by someone who claims to be from the IRS.

Ibuprofen is one of the most popular medications on the market to relieve various types of ailments including headaches, fevers and cramps. Given the drug’s broad pain relief benefits, track record of safe use and over the counter (OTC) accessibility, it is common for individuals to regularly take ibuprofen whenever they feel discomfort. However, ibuprofen can pose certain health risks, especially for individuals with kidney or stomach issues. Here is what you should know.

What is Safe?

For most adults and children at least 12 years and older, the recommended OTC dose of ibuprofen is one or two 200-milligram tablets, caplets or gel caplets every four to six hours while symptoms persist. You should not take more than 1,200 mg (or six pills) in a 24-hour period. If you have not consulted a doctor about the appropriate dosage, or if you are not certain about your risk factors, it is best not to exceed the recommended limit of 1,200 milligrams a day.

If you experience chronic pain, or were recently injured or underwent surgery, your doctor may prescribe ibuprofen for you at a higher dose. Prescription tablets are usually stronger compared to the OTC dose, such as 600 mg and 800 mg tablets. The maximum daily dose for prescription-strength ibuprofen is 3,200 mg in a 24-hour period. It is important to only take what your healthcare provider has prescribed for you. You should also be aware that ibuprofen is sometimes added to certain cold and flu medications, so always read the ingredient list on medications before using them.

Be Cautious!

Ibuprofen belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which reduce pain and inflammation by blocking the activity of certain enzymes. These enzymes also help maintain kidney and liver function and regulate the balance of fluids and electrolytes in your body. Since it can interfere with these processes, taking ibuprofen can be dangerous for patients with kidney disease or failure, liver damage or cirrhosis, and individuals with conditions like high blood pressure or heart failure. Those at high risk for these conditions – as well as for stomach ulcers, heart attacks, strokes or bleeding disorders – should consult with their doctors before taking ibuprofen.

People taking medications such as diuretics, anticoagulants, ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors or ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers) to manage cardiovascular issues should take caution when using ibuprofen as it can place extra strain on the kidneys and the heart. To reduce these health risks, avoid taking the maximum recommended dose for more than a week or two at a time. If you need ibuprofen for more than two weeks, or if you are turning to it every day to keep your aches and pains in check, you should see your doctor.

When taken for long periods, ibuprofen can also increase the risk of stomach ulcers. The drug inhibits enzymes that aid in the production of mucus that line and protects the stomach lining. Without these enzymes, the stomach becomes vulnerable to irritation and damage.

Some alternatives to ibuprofen that you may want to discuss with your healthcare provider include acetaminophen, topical NSAIDs (diclofenac gel), nonacetylated salicylates, curcumin (an active ingredient in turmeric) and acupuncture.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.