Yesterday I sent you an email about two clients who were victimized by tax resolution predators.

I need to correct something important, and it actually makes the story more disturbing.

WHAT REALLY HAPPENED: 

Client #1 didn’t lose $35,000. She paid $10,000 and they were demanding another $25,000.

Client #2 didn’t lose $48,500. He paid $500 and they were demanding $48,000 more.

Total actually paid: $10,500
Total attempted extraction: $83,500 

WHY THIS IS ACTUALLY WORSE: 

These predators have perfected a psychological trap that’s more insidious than straight theft.

Here’s how the “Escalation Extortion” works:

STEP 1: The Reasonable Hook Get you to pay something that seems manageable ($500-$10,000). Just enough to create commitment but not enough to make you run away screaming.

STEP 2: The Sunk Cost Trap Once you’ve paid, they reveal the “real” cost. Now you’re trapped thinking: “I’ve already invested $10,000… I can’t walk away now.”

STEP 3: The Pressure Campaign
Artificial deadlines. Threats. “If you don’t pay now, we’ll report you to the IRS.” Pure psychological warfare designed to break you down.

STEP 4: The Financial Bleeding They keep asking for more money in chunks. “Just $5,000 more and we’re done.” Then another $5,000. Then another.

THE DETECTIVE’S ANALYSIS: 

This isn’t random. It’s calculated psychological manipulation.

They’re not just taking your money—they’re hijacking your decision-making process.

Client #1 told me: “Carlos, after I paid the first $10,000, I felt like I was in too deep to quit. They kept saying I’d lose everything I’d already invested. But my friend told me to call you…”

Client #2 said: “The $500 seemed so small. But once I paid it, they had me. Every conversation was about why I needed to pay more or lose what I’d already put in.”

THE REAL DANGER: 

Most victims pay the escalating fees not because the amounts make sense, but because they feel trapped by what they’ve already paid.

It’s like being in an abusive relationship, the victim stays because leaving feels like admitting failure.

RED FLAGS FOR ESCALATION EXTORTION: 

🚩 Low initial fee followed by massive “additional costs”
🚩 “You’ve already invested X, don’t lose it now”
🚩 Artificial deadlines and pressure tactics
🚩 Threats about what happens if you don’t pay more
🚩 Vague explanations about why more money is needed
🚩 Making you feel guilty for questioning the escalating costs

THE TRUTH ABOUT LEGITIMATE TAX RESOLUTION: 

Real professionals tell you the full scope and cost upfront. Period. If there will be additional charges, they will let you know ahead of time based on the complexity of the case.

We might adjust strategy based on what we discover, but we don’t trap you with low-ball pricing then multiply the cost by 5x or 10x.

MY PROMISE TO YOU: 

When I quote you a fee, that’s the fee. No surprises. No escalation. No psychological games.

Your tax problems are complicated enough without someone playing mind games with your wallet.

THE BOTTOM LINE: 

Attempted extortion is still extortion, even if they don’t get the full amount.

These companies are predators who use psychological manipulation to separate families from their life savings.

Don’t fall for the “reasonable” initial fee if they can’t explain the complete process and total investment upfront.

Trust your instincts. If something feels manipulative, it probably is. 

→ Call us now at 909-570-1103 (we answer 24/7)
→ Or book directly at CallTaxEA.com 

Stay vigilant,

Carlos “Truth Seeker” Samaniego, EA
The Tax Debt Detective™
“Exposing predators, protecting families” 

P.S. – Client #1’s husband asked me: “How do we know you won’t do the same thing?”

Fair question. Here’s my answer: “Because I’m giving you the total cost, timeline, and strategy right now. If I were going to extort you, I’d start with a low number and build from there.”

Transparency isn’t just good business—it’s the only way to rebuild trust after predators have destroyed it.