Comment by rdiddly | Hacker News Reader

Comment by rdiddly | Hacker News Reader

Just can't figure out the enduring appeal of these IRS scams. Is the IRS the scariest bogeyman people can think of? Seems like "I'm a violent criminal and I'll kill you if you don't pay" would be scarier. But then I guess it lacks legal authority, which the IRS has, so maybe that's scarier or more persuasive?

Anyway I note that a misspent youth of getting into minor legal trouble and tax-dodging can actually be beneficial, in that you learn how these agencies actually work and what constitutes a legitimate government action. Is it on paper? Was it (preferably) served to you at the front door by a uniformed deputy?

What is the difficulty/cost/risk level of making a phone call anywhere in the world vs. outfitting someone in a convincing-looking police uniform of that area? Type of thing. I know I'm preaching to the choir...

Maybe if I get one of these calls I'll tell them "Just go ahead and send a deputy like usual." Except no, because if they're especially spiteful they might S.W.A.T. me.

> a misspent youth of getting into minor legal trouble and tax-dodging can actually be beneficial, in that you learn how these agencies actually work

There's the problem. It's no small task to understand the underlying functions and behaviors of a complex system.

It's easy to recognize a "violent criminal". You know it when you see it. Something much more complicated like the IRS? You don't know what you're looking at.... or if it's even legit/legal.... entirely shrouded in mystery and fear.

The real threat is the one you don't know.

Good insight. So yeah I guess it's the perfect combination of large, powerful, authoritative and inscrutable!

The IRS isn't to be messed with. They never go after corporations to any significant level, but if they did come after us commoners, we would be fucked beyond belief. Better to not risk it. A violent criminal killing you would be more convenient. The IRS coming after you is comparable to having to go to the hospital in the U.S unless you're rich.

/half sarcasm

I messed with them. They were actually downright friendly to work with once I came in from outside. Granted I didn't make them chase me down, maybe they appreciated that. But basically they just want the money. And they get more of that by garnishing your paycheck let's say, than doing anything worse to you. It still sucks of course.

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